A thirty one year old man is facing murder and assault charges following a violent rampage at the Nancy Page Crisis Residence in Minneapolis early Monday morning. Derek Faulkner allegedly attacked several fellow patients and staff members, leaving one man dead and four others injured. Police responded to multiple emergency calls shortly after 6:30 a.m., with witnesses reporting that Faulkner was threatening to kill everyone in the building. Upon arrival, officers found Faulkner, who reportedly told them he believed he had killed someone.
The victim has been identified as twenty three year old Bryce Hayes, who suffered severe internal injuries and lacerations during the attack. Investigators believe some of those injuries were caused by chemicals from a fire extinguisher used during the struggle. Four other individuals reported being assaulted with various household objects, including a fork, a fireplace log, and a lamp post; some victims stated they were attacked while they were still asleep.
The tragedy has sparked outrage from the Hayes family, who describe their son as a polite young man on the autism spectrum who had been seeking treatment for depression and anxiety. According to his lawyers, Bryce was just days away from being released to live independently when he was killed. His family is now questioning how such a violent incident could occur within a facility designed for vulnerable residents, especially given the suspect’s criminal background.
Court records reveal that at the time of the attack, Faulkner was out on bond for separate charges involving attempted murder in Sherburne County and assault in Anoka County stemming from incidents earlier this autumn. Legal representatives for the Hayes family are calling for an investigation into why someone with a recent history of extreme violence was admitted to the residence. While the operator of the facility, People Incorporated, has declined to comment on specific details due to the ongoing investigation, they stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Faulkner remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court in November.
