A few weeks ago I followed my usual pre-work routine: I poured coffee and opened the Boston Globe. Then I flinched at the too familiar headline: Two dead, one on life support in shootings: Police say father wounds daughter, kills wife, then self.
I read every word — respect must be given, attention must be paid. The murder took place a few miles from my home. According to a witness, William Spada (53) murdered his wife, Patricia (51), critically wounded his daughter, Deidre (27), and then killed himself.
“After the authorities left, just before noon, small droplets of blood remained on the walkway leading to the front door.”
This year there have been 30 domestic violence homicide victims and 15 perpetrator suicides. Last year there were 23 domestic violence homicides and five perpetrator suicides.
And still, we wonder why. And still we’re surprised when it is our neighbor. God forbid, our family.
In our surprise, we say words similar to those written in today’s article: