A 10-year-old girl, her grandmother and the family dog were shot and killed by her neighbor in a drug-related rampage before killing himself.
Aubrianna Lynn and Kim Fairbanks, 52, were shot dead by 34-year-old Victor Nieves on Monday after he got on a cocaine spree in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Fairbanks died after being hit in the head while Aubrianna fought for her life until she died in hospital on Thursday.
Nieves, who lived in the apartment above the family, also shot Aubrianna’s 12-year-old sister, who survived, and killed the family’s dog before shooting himself.
Aubrianna’s grieving mother took to Facebook to mourn the loss of her daughter and mother, saying, “It doesn’t feel real” and “I’ll never understand.”
Pictured: Grieving mother Stephanie Croteau poses with her 10-year-old daughter, who died from a shot in the chest and succumbed to her injuries on Thursday
Pictured: Grandmother Kim Fairbanks, 52, was shot in the head and died August 14 after Nieves opened fire at her home in Springfield, Massachusetts
Pictured: Victor Nieves, 34, opened fire, fatally killing a 10-year-old and grandmother Kim Fairbanks, 52, and injuring a 12-year-old child before turning the gun on himself
The horror began at 2:30 p.m. Monday when Nieves became paranoid and started acting erratically during a drug binge, his girlfriend Monica Sanchez said.
Sanchez said she called the children’s mother, Stephanie Croteau, shortly before the attack and told her that Nieves was acting crazy and had gone downstairs.
According to Sanchez, Croteau told her she would contact her mother, but then “she heard gunshots and ran outside.” Neighbors said Sanchez was screaming for help.
Police said one of the children called 911 from inside the home and police arrived at the home at 174 Berkshire Avenue within minutes.
Entering the first floor apartment, they found the frightened, bloodied children hiding in a bedroom.
Aubrianna had been shot in the chest and was flown to Boston Children’s Hospital, where she remained in critical condition until her death on Thursday.
A 12-year-old girl was shot in the stomach and is in stable condition at Baystate Medical Center. A five-year-old boy escaped unharmed.
Police and officers prepare to enter the home at 174 Berkshire Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts and cover their shoes after the fatal massacre that left one adult and child dead and a second child injured
“The oldest girl when she came out with blood everywhere,” Sanchez said.
“She said, ‘Victor shot us, and he shot himself.’ So I ran back into the house and I saw him lying on the floor, and I just fell.’
Stephanie Croteau broke down on social media later in the week over the loss of her mother and daughter.
On Wednesday, when her daughter’s condition was dire, she wrote alongside a photo collage, “I never thought I would have to bury one of my children.”
When the death occurred on Thursday, “it was peaceful” and without “any pain” and with the family present, Croteau posted. ‘I love you, my wild girl.’ You were a warrior.’
On Saturday, she added, “My mother and daughter were murdered.” They were bloody murdered.
“I have to keep saying it to believe it actually happened.” It doesn’t feel real. And I’m just not here. mental. Emotionally. I will never understand.’
Officers, including persons from the District Attorney’s Office, are seen at the scene while a CID vehicle and officers from the Springfield Police Department stand by
Natasha Lopez, a family friend, created a GoFundMe for the family and said, “It is with a heavy heart that I am updating the original post.”
“Stephanie Croteau and her family became my family a few years ago. On Monday, August 14, 2023, the Croteau/Fairbanks/Serra family experienced the most unspeakable act of violence at their home.
“Everyone watched and waited and held their breath to find out what happened.” This is a day that changed the lives of this family forever. They will never be the same.’
“On that day, Kim, wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, was tragically stolen from her family and friends. She was killed while babysitting her three beloved grandchildren.
“Kim was a person who was both tough and caring. “Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her loved her for her sense of humor and no-nonsense attitude.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarro (second from right) and Chief of Staff Tom Ashe stand outside as police stand outside the home where Monday’s deadly rampage took place
She continued, “Kim’s laughter was infectious.” Kim was so proud of her children and grandchildren.
“Kim would go to war for the people she loved, and she died doing it.” “Kim lives on in all of us and we will remember her as a heroine.”
“Michele, the eldest granddaughter, is also a heroine. She took action in an event that would astonish a grown man.” She protected her siblings as best she could.
“She was also shot, is stable and is being treated at a local hospital.” No child should ever have to go through what these three children survived.
“They went through a real nightmare that no one could have predicted.” The community is being asked to come together to support the family.
“Money could never replace or erase the nightmare they’re living through, but it can help ease the financial burden.”
“They need our help, they need our love and our prayers.” Please consider making a donation, every small contribution helps.
“The funds will be personally delivered to Stephanie to cover funeral expenses, medical expenses, housing, fuel, etc.”
Sanchez, who has known Nieves since they were children, told Mass Live he was a “gentle soul” and a “kind person” before Monday’s bloody massacre.
She said he was unemployed and struggling at the time, although it’s unclear what he did for a living.
Sanchez said she is a licensed gun owner and that the firearm used by Nieves was one of her handguns, the officer said.
She also said she tried to hide at least three of them from Nieves, adding, “I don’t know how he found that one gun.”
Among other things, she said: “People say all kinds of bad things about him.” But he wasn’t that person.’
According to police, Nieves had only a minimal criminal record and had no previous violent crimes.