Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a 22-year-old man accused of killing his parents, retired NFL lineman Barry Bennett and his wife, who were found dead earlier this week in their Minnesota home.
The Todd County (Minn.) Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that it is seeking the public’s help in finding Dylan John Bennett. ESPN reported Friday afternoon that authorities believe he fled to Mexico.
The bodies of Barry Bennett, 63, and his 66-year-old wife, Carol, were found in their home in Long Prairie, Minn., on Wednesday. They were discovered after authorities went to their house on a welfare check requested by a friend.
Both victims were shot, ESPN reported, adding that Barry Bennett reported in December that his son had been in a mental health facility and discussed killing his parents.
The elder Bennett played 11 seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints (1978-81), New York Jets (1982-88) and Minnesota Vikings (1988). He appeared in 132 games and posted 18.5 sacks in his career.
A product of Concordia College in Minnesota, he was a native of Saint Paul, Minn. After his NFL stint ended, he had a second career as a physical education teacher, the Star Tribune reported.
Jim Christopherson, who coached Barry Bennett at Concordia, told the Pioneer Press that Dylan Bennett was adopted by the couple. He said Dylan recently graduated from Bemidji State University and had found a job in China.
The Vikings tweeted their condolences on Friday afternoon.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of former Vikings player Barry Bennett and his wife, Carol. Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this difficult time,” the Vikings said.
