Springfield, Massachusetts witnessed a tragic incident on Monday afternoon, August 14, with reports of gunfire leading to immediate police intervention.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office stated that upon their arrival, officers found Victor Nieves, aged 34, and Kim Fairbanks, 52, deceased. Fairbanks was recognized as the grandmother to three children discovered in the residence. Officers located the three children in a bedroom, with two sustaining gunshot injuries. The children were rushed to Baystate Medical Center. While the 12-year-old girl was in stable condition at Baystate, her critically injured 10-year-old sister was moved to Boston Children’s Hospital. Their younger sibling, a 5-year-old boy, was found without injuries.
Preliminary findings from a joint investigation between the Springfield Police Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit indicate Nieves, a resident of the upstairs apartment, forced entry into the lower apartment and initiated the violent act before ending his life.
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C. Clapprood offered condolences and commented on the severity of the incident. Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni extended his condolences to the grieving families, assuring them of the full support from the authorities.