Lisa Thigpen’s family seeks support for four children after apparent North St. Paul murder-suicide

NORTH ST. PAUL — Lisa Louise Thigpen’s family is seeking support for her four children after she and her husband, Gregory Darnell Thigpen, were found dead in their North St. Paul home November 1, 2026, in an apparent murder-suicide. A 14-month-old granddaughter who was inside the home was not physically injured, police said.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner identified Lisa, 37, and Gregory, 41. North St. Paul police said Lisa had apparent stab wounds and Gregory had an apparent gunshot wound. The child was evaluated at a hospital and released to relatives. Police said preliminary findings indicated the deaths involved only the couple, and investigators were not seeking another suspect. Official autopsy results were pending in the department’s November 4 update reported by FOX 9.

Court records described in the Pioneer Press reporting supplied for this article show that Lisa had sought protection years before her death. In a September 2018 petition, she described a history of violence, controlling behavior, isolation and threats by Gregory to kill her and himself. She also alleged that he restrained her and attempted to strangle her during an argument, stopping after their daughter intervened. These statements were allegations Lisa made in her protective-order application.

A judge granted the order. Lisa requested its dismissal that November, saying she wanted to try marriage counseling and preserve the family, and the order was dismissed. The reporting also described a 2006 case in which Gregory was charged with domestic assault and interfering with a 911 call involving Lisa. The couple married in 2015.

Lisa worked in nutrition services at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury. In a message to staff quoted by the Pioneer Press, hospital administrators remembered her kindness and the welcoming presence she brought to coworkers’ daily routines.

Violence Free Minnesota’s Meggie Royer told the Pioneer Press that the case appeared to involve several recognized domestic violence homicide risk factors, including threats to kill, access to firearms, prior violence, strangulation and attempts to leave. Royer emphasized the role of power and control in domestic violence and cautioned against reducing these deaths to a discussion of mental health alone.

Royer also explained that requests to dismiss protective orders can reflect fears about escalating violence, children, housing and financial security. Her comments describe pressures survivors may face; they do not establish Lisa’s reasons beyond what she wrote in court. Abuse is the responsibility of the person committing it.

A GoFundMe organized by Jazz Crosby for Paige Flodeen and her siblings says Paige, 22, is helping care for three younger siblings, ages 13, 15 and 17. The organizer says donations will help with housing, food, utilities, transportation, school needs, clothing, legal expenses and celebration-of-life costs. The family photo accompanying this article was supplied for publication.

Minnesota’s Day One crisis line offers domestic violence support at 866-223-1111 or by text at 612-399-9995. Day One’s website also provides safety-planning resources. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Sources: Pioneer Press reporting supplied for this article; FOX 9 — November 4 police update and identification; family fundraiser; Minnesota Day One.