Massachusetts

District Attorney Identifies Woman, 3 Children Found Dead in West Brookfield

The incident involved two elementary school students

The Worcester District Attorney has identified the four victims found dead inside their West Brookfield home on Thursday.

The victims found inside the residence at 10 Old Warren Road were identified as Sara Bermudez, 38, Madison Bermudez, 8, James Bermudez, 6, and Michael Bermudez, 2.

Investigators are asking if anyone has information regarding a discarded plastic yellow fuel can used to store diesel fuel, related to the crime scene. Police have determined that a yellow fuel can is missing from the home.

Anyone with information is advised to call the State Police Dispatch Center at (508) 867-1170.

Investigators are also asking for anyone in the West Brookfield area with active home or business surveillance, or dashboard-mounted cameras to contact police.

The deaths of the Massachusetts woman and her three young children whose bodies were found Thursday in the upstairs bedroom of a West Brookfield home were being called suspicious upon their discovery, according to the Worcester County district attorney.

Investigators returned to the scene Friday, the day after a well-being check inside the home on Old Warren Road led to the discovery of the bodies of the woman, her 2-year-old son, 5-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter. 

Police placed a "distraught family member" who went to the scene in protective custody, but have since released the unidentified relative, Worcester D.A. Joe Early said.

He added there have been no arrests in the case.

Authorities also asked anyone who may have seen someone or a vehicle on the road to contact state police investigators.

Meanwhile, feelings of shock and sadness rippled through the community as residents struggled to make sense of the deaths of a mother and her three young children.

Paul Fox, a concerned resident, said it was tough hearing about the deaths.

"I heard what's happening and it's just heart-breaking," Fox said. "I have small kids too and I just can't imagine that happening to anybody."

West Brookfield Police Chief Thomas O'Donnell said he understands the anxiety the community feels with the investigation.

"We're just letting people know to take the steps that you feel you need to be safe," he said.

The older two children were in kindergarten and second grade at West Brookfield Elementary School. Police, counselors and therapy dogs were on hand throughout the school day to try to help the students and faculty cope the unimaginable loss.

"I can't say enough about the outpouring of support from neighboring communities from our staff. People are coming together and we're going to get through this together," said Quaboag Regional School District Superintendent Brett Kustigian.

Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is asked to call state police at 508-820-2121.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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