Springfield taking pictures was a ‘heinous and cowardly’ act: Neighbor shot grandmother and kids earlier than killing himself, DA says

New particulars have emerged in regards to the tragic killing of a grandmother and the wounding of two of her grandchildren in Springfield Monday afternoon.

Authorities’ investigation signifies that 34-year-old Springfield resident Victor Nieves allegedly pressured his means into the condominium beneath his personal at 174 Berkshire Ave. and shot the folks inside earlier than turning the gun on himself, the Hampden County District Legal professional’s workplace mentioned in a press launch Tuesday.

Nieves allegedly killed 52-year-old Springfield resident Kim Fairbanks, who was taking good care of her three grandchildren when Nieves broke in, the discharge mentioned. He additionally allegedly shot and killed a canine that was within the condominium.

Nieves allegedly shot two of the youngsters — a 10-year-old woman and a 12-year-old woman, the discharge mentioned. First responders took the 10-year-old to Baystate Medical Heart Monday, however she was later air-lifted to Boston Youngsters’s Hospital the place she stays in important situation.

The 12 year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds, however is in secure situation at Baystate Medical Heart, the discharge mentioned. First responders took the third little one, a 5-year-old boy, to Baystate, the place he was evaluated and located to be unhurt. All three youngsters are siblings.

Police responded to the house round 2:40 p.m. Monday afternoon for a report of photographs fired, the discharge mentioned. They discovered Nieves, Fairbanks, and the canine lifeless on the scene. They then discovered the three youngsters in a bed room of the house and rapidly rushed them to the hospital.

“That is unequivocally one of the vital heinous and cowardly acts to which I’ve needed to bear witness as District Legal professional,” Hampden District Legal professional Anthony Gulluni mentioned within the launch.

Shock and grief within the Springfield neighborhood

“That is an absolute tragedy, and I’m praying for this household,” Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood mentioned within the launch. “In my forty plus years on the Springfield Police Division, this is among the most heart-wrenching incidents I can keep in mind.”

The discharge didn’t communicate to Nieves’ potential motive or how effectively he knew Fairbanks and her household, however Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno known as the assault “unprovoked” in an announcement Tuesday. He additionally mentioned he’s in contact with the youngsters’s mom.

“This mindless act of violence has left such an enormous gaping gap in our household,” a pal of the household mentioned in a Fb publish Tuesday.

Nieves’ Fb profile signifies that he leaves behind a daughter. Police reportedly informed MassLive that Nieves’ prison report consisted of a motorized vehicle cost from 2017 and an unlawful gun cost from 2011.

Earlier on Monday, authorities held a press convention addressing “a current uptick” in shootings and homicides in Springfield.

Authorities are nonetheless investigating the taking pictures. They beforehand mentioned the placement of the taking pictures was 176 Berkshire Ave.

“[Kim] was one in all a sort. Nothing however good and humorous reminiscences along with her,” one other Fb consumer mentioned of Fairbanks.