Double murder-suicide sparks push for mental health awareness

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) – Many questions remain in what led up to an apparent double-murder suicide in Boston on Christmas Day.

District Attorney Rachael Rollins identified the deceased as Erin Pascal, 40, of West Roxbury, and her children, 4-year-old Allison and 16-month-old Andrew.

Pascal’s husband called police earlier that day after there was an argument and she left their Boston-area home with the children. He reported that she may be suicidal. Their bodies were found on the sidewalk next to the Renaissance Parking Garage a short time later. 

“For a parent to come to the place in which they harm their children in this way, indicates that their mental health struggles were severe,” said Rollins.

This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the importance of mental health treatment. Rollins is now urging anyone struggling to seek help.

“If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there are services available to help you,” said Rollins.

Mental health experts say the best way to prevent suicide is by talking to each other.

“Behavioral health is just like physical health. The brain is an organ and we need to take care of it,” said James Ryczek, the CEO of Horizon Healthcare Partners.

Horizon Healthcare Partners runs the state’s suicide hotline.

“We field between 75-100 calls a week,” said Ryczek.

He says if behavioral health is de-stigmatized and help is readily available, fewer tragedies like this will happen.

“The thing we can learn from this is to start asking people questions about what’s going on with them when you think their behavior is off,” Ryczek said.

Horizon Healthcare Partners also runs the state’s only 24/7 triage center for those struggling with mental health or substance misuse.

The center, called BH Link, is located at 971 Waterman Avenue in East Providence.

You can walk-in anytime or call 401-414-LINK (5465) for immediate assistance.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, or locally at 401-272-4044.

©WLNE-TV/ ABC 6 2019