UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, 19-year-old Eric Sweeney is set to plead guilty to second-degree murder charges this Friday in connection with the tragic killings of his sister-in-law and two young nephews in Northfield, New Hampshire. This plea comes just weeks before he was scheduled to stand trial for first-degree murder charges.
The fatal incident occurred in August 2022, when Sweeney was living with his older brother’s family. Prosecutors allege that Sweeney fatally shot Kassandra Sweeney, aged 25, and her sons, 4-year-old Benjamin and 1-year-old Mason. Authorities report that Sweeney’s behavioral issues had been escalating, leading to tensions within the household.
During a hearing at Merrimack County Superior Court, Sweeney is expected to formally enter his plea. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to life in prison. Prosecutors revealed that the family had sought help from law enforcement previously due to Sweeney’s troubling behavior, which included lying and breaking household rules.
In a disturbing note left for his brother and sister-in-law, Sweeney expressed feelings of alienation, stating, “I do not belong in this family. All I do is steal and lie and be irresponsible.” Just two months prior to the murders, he penned a heartfelt goodbye, concluding with “I love you big bro and sis bye.”
According to court documents, on the night of the shootings, Sweeney reported hearing a commotion upstairs. He claimed he found Kassandra and the boys on the floor bleeding and then fled the scene, taking Kassandra’s phone and car keys before calling his brother, who subsequently alerted the police.
Prosecutors planned to present video evidence from Kassandra’s phone that showed her and her children engaged in playful activities just minutes before the tragedy. They noted that in these clips, there were no signs of distress, suggesting that no threats were present in the home leading up to the incident.
The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the devastating impact of violence on families and communities. As Sweeney prepares to plead guilty, the court will set a date for sentencing, which will be closely watched by the public and the victims’ family.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the tragic events continue to unfold.
