Depression linked to murder-suicide
DA: 'Domestic violence can’t be tolerated for any reason'
The Andover dad who authorities say murdered his wife and son before taking his own life was being treated for depression, the DA said releasing a summary of findings from the police investigation.
Those details further highlight the devastating threat of domestic violence, the Essex DA added Wednesday.
“While we can never know everything going on inside someone’s home or mind, we’re absolutely clear domestic violence can’t be tolerated for any reason, and that there’s a mental health crisis in our country,” Essex DA Paul Tucker said.
Around 3 a.m. on Feb. 9, 56-year-old Andrew Robinson is believed to have shot his wife Linda Robinson, 55, and son Sebastian Robinson, 12, before turning the gun on himself.
Andover police were dispatched after receiving a largely incoherent 911 call around 3:09 a.m. from 48 Porter Road, which they believe to have come from Andrew Robinson, the report on the investigation detailed. A young male voice shouting could be heard on the line, before two loud smashing sounds — now believed to be gunshots — rang out.
Officers arrived at the residence at 3:18 a.m. and saw Linda Robinson lying on the ground with apparent injuries through a sliding door, the report said. After forced entry, officers determined all three residents were dead — Andrew Robinson from an apparently self-inflicted wound with a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun.
Investigators found the handgun had been purchased legally and properly registered. Andrew Robinson had a license to carry that previously expired on Feb. 1, 2022.
Friends and family who spoke with the department reported the father was depressed, having trouble sleeping and seeking treatment for “physical and mental health issues” from medical professionals, the department detailed. He had been prescribed medication for multiple conditions.
There were no prior police responses to the residence, the report said.
“Our office works daily to address each problem, and I urge those in need — and those who care about them — to reach out to us, the state government and outside groups for support,” Tucker said. “No one should feel alone as they cope with these problems.”
Massachusetts has domestic violence resources and several multilingual, toll-free, 24/7 helplines, including SafeLink, 877785-2020; HAWC, 1-800547-1649; YWCA, 844372-9922; and the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, 978388-1888.
Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988 (or 1-800273-8255) — is available for anyone suffering from or looking to help someone suffering from suicidal thought or mental health matters.
“Unfortunately, we will never have all the answers of why this horrendous incident occurred,” said Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe. “However, some of the ‘why’ has been answered, and we hope it provides some closure for the extended family and everyone else affected.”