Massachusetts grandmother killed, grandchildren hurt after neighbor breaks in, opens fire

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WLNE) — A man opened fire on his downstairs neighbors on Monday afternoon, hitting two children and killing their grandmother, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

Springfield police were called to a multi-family home on Berkshire Avenue shortly before 3 p.m. for a report of shots fired.

Police went into the first floor apartment and found Victor Nieves, 34, dead on the floor.

Officers then found the body of 52-year-old Kim Fairbanks, along with the body of a dog.

Police tape off part of Berkshire Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts after a deadly shooting, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. (WCVB)

They searched the home and found three children in a bedroom, two suffering from gunshot wounds.

A 10-year-old girl was flown to Boston Children’s Hospital, where she is in critical condition. Her sister, 12, went to the Baystate Medical Center and is in stable condition.

Their little brother, 5, was not physically harmed.

Fairbanks was the children’s grandmother.

Police tape off part of Berkshire Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts after a deadly shooting, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. (WCVB)

“I remain deeply saddened by this tragic attack and I am profoundly sorry for these children and their family members,” District Attorney Anthony Gullini said. “This is unequivocally one of the most heinous and cowardly acts to which I’ve had to bear witness as District Attorney.”

“My heart goes out to the parents of these children and the family and loved ones of Ms. Fairbanks,” he said. “As investigators, we will do everything we can to support this family as we move forward and close the criminal investigation.”

Investigators believe Nieves forced his way into the home and shot at the family before turning the gun on himself.

The investigation into the shooting is active and ongoing.