A horrifying murder-suicide incident unfolded in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday. A man allegedly broke into his neighbor’s home, resulting in the death of a woman and additional injuries to her grandchildren who were under her supervision. The suspect reportedly shot himself after the attack.
Police officers swiftly arrived at the residence in Springfield on Monday afternoon following multiple reports of gunshots. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Victor Nieves, 34, was found dead on the floor, while Kim Fairbanks, 52, was also discovered lifeless. Investigators have identified Nieves as the suspected gunman. Inside the home, officers found three children, aged 5, 10, and 12, in a bedroom. Tragically, two of the children had sustained gunshot wounds.
The 10-year-old girl was airlifted to Boston Children’s Hospital and is currently in critical condition, while the 12-year-old girl is in stable condition at Baystate Medical Center, according to Hampden officials. The 5-year-old boy did not suffer any physical harm. These three children are siblings and are the grandchildren of Kim Fairbanks, the victim of the attack. Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni expressed his deep sorrow for the family, calling the incident “one of the most heinous and cowardly acts” he has witnessed.
Preliminary investigations by the Springfield Police Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit revealed additional details about the attack. Nieves, who resided in the upstairs apartment of the multi-family home, forcibly entered the first-floor apartment and began firing at the occupants. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood expressed her condolences to the affected family and commended the officers who swiftly transported the injured children to the hospital.