The victims in Tuesday's deadly stabbing rampage at a mall and a home in Taunton, Massachusetts, have been identified.
The superintendent and director of the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School identified one of the victims as George Heath.
Heath, a visual design instructor at the school for the past four years, was at the Silver City Galleria Mall when he was stabbed by an attacker, identified by police as Arthur DaRosa, 28, of Taunton.
"He was influential in sparking creativity and a love of learning in all of his students," Superintendent James O'Brien said.
His wife Rosemary tells necn her husband is hero for trying to stop the attacker while they enjoying a date night, adding that she's absolutely devastated by Heath's death.
DaRosa is also accused of stabbing two women at a home on Myricks Street.
One of the victims, 80-year-old Patricia "Pat" Slavin, was taken to a hospital, where she died. The other woman, Kathleen Slavin, age 48, of Taunton continues to be treated at Brigham and Women's Hospital for life-threatening injuries. Sources tell necn the Myricks Street victims are a mother and daughter.
Patricia Slavin "was the sweetest woman ever. She went to mass every day," her daughter Stephanie Slavin told necn from Virginia. "I just want answers."
Three others were injured in the stabbing attack at the mall and were identified by the Bristol County District Attorney's office.
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Sheenah Savoy, age 26, of Taunton was stabbed at Bertucci's restaurant. She was med-flighted to Rhode Island Hospital and is in serious condition.
Wendy Ann Oliveira, age 45, of Berkley, was assaulted inside Macy's and was transported to Morton Hospital. She has been released.
Laura Miola, age 65 of Taunton was also assaulted inside Macy's. She was transported to Morton Hospital then transferred to Brigham and Women's Hospital. She is expected to recover.
The third victim has been identified as Jucelia Gleason, age 38 of Taunton who was also assaulted inside Macy's She was transported to Morton Hospital and has been released as well.
The attacker was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer, identified as Plymouth County Sheriff Deputy James Creed, at the mall. The investigation into the spree continues.
