Authorities identify Crosby stabbing victim
Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby is located near Cuyuna Regional Medical Center on Highway 210. The facility was the site of a law enforcement lockdown Saturday after an employee was reportedly stabbed by a relative. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Heartwood Senior Living Community in Crosby is located near Cuyuna Regional Medical Center on Highway 210. The facility was the site of a law enforcement lockdown Saturday after an employee was reportedly stabbed by a relative. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
David Michael Otey
A facility jointly owned by Crosby Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Home & Services is guarded by Crosby police after a stabbing Saturday inside the facility. A news release confirmed a suspect was in custody and there was no danger to the public. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd DispatchCROSBY -- A 38-year-old woman is dead and her younger brother is in custody on probable cause for second-degree intentional murder following a stabbing Saturday afternoon in Crosby.
According to a news release, the Crosby Police Department responded to a 911 call of a reported stabbing just after 8 a.m. Saturday at Heartwood Senior Living Community, 500 Heartwood Drive in Crosby. Officers located the victim, an employee of the facility, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman Sunday as Danyele Marie Johnson of Ironton. The manner of death was determined to be homicide, and the cause of death was sharp force injury.
The suspect, identified as David Michael Otey, 37, Cambridge, was arrested on site and booked midday Saturday in the Crow Wing County Jail. Crosby police confirmed Sunday the suspect is the brother of the victim.
Crosby police requested the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assist with the investigation and process the crime scene.
A death investigation was underway and the facility remained under law enforcement guard until about 5 p.m. Saturday. Agents from the BCA arrived at the facility about 12:15 p.m., according to an officer on the scene.
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, which owns the facility jointly with Presbyterian Homes & Services, sent an email to staff Saturday afternoon concerning the incident.
"The situation is under control," the email stated. "Residents’ needs are being met and both residents and staff are safe and secure. The hearts of Presbyterian Homes, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, its staff and residents all go out to all of those involved in this tragic situation."
Hospital personnel advised friends and family of Heartwood residents to refrain from visiting the facility due to the ongoing investigation, but noted staff would be available to answer questions at CRMC, located a half-mile west of Heartwood on Highway 210. The Crow Wing County Crisis Team and other support services were made available to staff beginning 3 p.m. Saturday at CRMC.
Peggy Stebbins, CRMC marketing and public relations director, said the CRMC facilities director met Saturday with all security guards at Heartwood, and they’re working with police to make sure the building is secure. Stebbins said counselors are available and are continuing to meet with employees and residents for emotional support, as well as the facility’s pastor.
Stebbins said the doors at Heartwood are always locked and the only way a person can get through the doors is if an employee lets them in. Guests are always identified before they may enter.
The 180,000-square-foot Heartwood Senior Living Community opened in 2008. Ninety-five residents live in the facility, which contains 50 independent living apartments, 36 assisted living apartments and 13 memory care apartments. The senior living complex employs 131 people, including 62 clinicians, 51 culinary employees and 18 support staff.
Stebbins reported as far as staff at CRMC knew, nothing similar to this incident had occurred at the facility in the past.
Additional agencies assisting in the investigation and response include the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office, CRMC Ambulance, Crosslake Police Department, Emily Police Department, Deerwood Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Anoka County Sheriff's Office and Lino Lakes Police Department.
