CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – A New Hampshire man, Eric Sweeney, who stands accused of murdering his sister-in-law, Kassandra Sweeney, and her two young sons, 4-year-old Benjamin and 1-year-old Mason, is set to plead guilty to second-degree murder charges on Friday. At the time of the tragic events in August 2022, Sweeney was just 16 years old.
Sweeney, now 19, had been living with his older brother Sean and his wife Kassandra in Northfield. Prosecutors allege that during his stay, Sweeney fatally shot Kassandra and her two children. Initially facing first-degree murder charges and scheduled for trial next month, he will instead enter a plea for lesser charges at a hearing in Merrimack County Superior Court. His legal representatives had contemplated an insanity defense as part of his strategy. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to life in prison.
In preparation for Sweeney’s trial, prosecutors had outlined the behavior of the teen which purportedly led to increased tensions within the household. According to court documents, Sweeney had been struggling with "increasing behavioral issues." Sean and Kassandra Sweeney, acting as Eric's guardians, reported that he was deceptive and consistently violated house rules, which prompted them to seek police intervention.
Notably, roughly two months before the shootings, Eric left a poignant note for his guardians in which he expressed feelings of alienation from the family. The note read, "I do not belong in this family. All I do is steal and lie and be irresponsible," and culminated with a farewell, "I love you big bro and sis bye."
When authorities apprehended Eric Sweeney, he told police that he had been in his room in the basement when he heard a disturbance upstairs. He described hearing a loud voice and multiple "pops." Upon ascending the stairs, he reportedly discovered Kassandra and the children on the floor in a distressing state and took Kassandra's cellphone and keys before fleeing the scene. He subsequently contacted his brother, who then alerted law enforcement.
The prosecution intended to present the jury with video recordings made by Kassandra Sweeney, featuring her sons in moments of joyful play just hours before the killings. One video was reportedly recorded only ten minutes before Eric Sweeney left the home, showing no signs of distress or any indication of an unwanted presence in the house, as affirmed in a recent court filing by prosecutors.
The unfolding of this tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding familial relationships and the potential consequences of unresolved turmoil. With Eric Sweeney’s plea to second-degree murder charges, the legal proceedings will continue to capture the attention of the community and the wider public.
