New Hampshire Man to Plead Guilty in Triple Homicide Case
UPDATE: A New Hampshire man, Eric Sweeney, is set to plead guilty to second-degree murder charges on Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of his sister-in-law and two young nephews. This urgent development comes just weeks before his trial, originally scheduled to commence next month.
In a shocking incident that rattled the community of Northfield, authorities accuse the now 19-year-old Sweeney of fatally shooting Kassandra Sweeney, 25, and her sons, 4-year-old Benjamin and 1-year-old Mason, in August 2022. Prosecutors say the tragedy unfolded while Sweeney was living with his older brother’s family, highlighting a troubling history of behavioral issues that had led to mounting tensions in the home.
Sweeney’s legal team had considered an insanity defense, but he will instead enter a guilty plea during a hearing at Merrimack County Superior Court. He faces a potential sentence of up to life in prison.
Court documents reveal alarming details about Sweeney’s state of mind prior to the shootings. His guardians, Sean and Kassandra Sweeney, reported escalating tensions stemming from Sweeney’s repeated violations of household rules and dishonesty. Just two months before the tragic incident, he left a haunting note saying, “I do not belong in this family. All I do is steal and lie and be irresponsible,” concluding with “I love you big bro and sis bye.”
On the day of the shootings, Sweeney reportedly claimed he was in his basement room when he heard a commotion upstairs. He described hearing a man’s voice and multiple gunshots before he found his sister-in-law and nephews on the floor. He then took Kassandra’s cellphone and keys, fleeing the scene and subsequently calling his brother, who alerted the authorities.
Prosecutors are expected to present compelling evidence, including video clips recorded by Kassandra just minutes before the tragedy. The videos show the children engaging in playful activities, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the fatal incident. Prosecutors indicated that in the footage, there were no visible signs of distress that would suggest any threats were present in the home.
As this case develops, and with a plea hearing imminent, the community remains on edge, grappling with the profound loss and the implications of this case. The tragic loss of Kassandra, Benjamin, and Mason has left an indelible mark on the Northfield community, stirring strong emotions and calls for justice.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the hearing unfolds and further details emerge.
