Child sex abuse suspect kills himself before trial
MINNEAPOLIS -- A man accused of sexually abusing at least five children killed himself Saturday, according to authorities. His trial was scheduled to begin Monday, reports CBS Minnesota.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner said 46-year-old Chad Geyen died from a shotgun wound to the head. He was Geyen is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with multiple children over the course of several years. Authorities said all of the victims were 13 years old or younger.
The incidents occurred at Geyen's home and cabin, according to a complaint filed in the case.
All but one of the cases Geyen was accused in were first initiated between 1995 and 2001. The other alleged abuse occurred between November 2012 and November 2013.
According to the charges, Geyen met the children through his involvement with the "Big Brother" program. At least one of the victims met Geyen, who had a pilot's license, through the "Young Eagles," an aviation program.
Alleged victim Jake Taylor told CBS Minnesota that Geyen abused him for a decade.
"(He) pretended to be like a father figure to me when I was really young, like 6 or 7, and that's how all the abuse started," said Taylor, who is now 25 years old.
"He was pretty much just a really evil person," Taylor said. "He never ever admitted or accepted that he did anything wrong."
Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo he hopes Geyen's suicide doesn't adversely affect his victims.
"It is an ending that really benefits no one," Palumbo said.
Taylor wanted to see Geyen in court, hoping he would show some remorse.
"I was really looking forward to him having to admit what he did in court or be found guilty by a court, serve some time or be punished in some way for what he did," Taylor said.
But he recognizes this outcome saves victims from having to publicly re-live the alleged abuse.
"It's my personal belief that he isn't escaping judgement anyway," Taylor said.