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, Minn.—The victim of a fatal stabbing Saturday, Jan. 13, at a senior living community in Crosby has been identified by law enforcement.
Crosby police identified the woman Sunday as 38-year-old Danyele Marie Johnson of Ironton.
A male suspect, identified as David Michael Otey, 37, Cambridge, was arrested on site. He was booked midday Saturday in the Crow Wing County Jail.
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, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
"While the investigation is in its early stages, it appears the victim was an employee and the suspect is a relative of the victim," the release stated. "Police are not looking for any other suspects at this time and there is no threat to the public."
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner will provide formal identification of Johnson following an autopsy, the release stated. 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 Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension 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.
