Death of man, shootings of 3 relatives in Whitefield investigated as possible suicide, attempted murders
WHITEFIELD, N.H. —
The death of a man and injuries to three relatives in Whitefield are being investigated as attempted murders and a suicide, investigators said Tuesday.
The Attorney General’s Office said police found three people suffering from gunshot wounds after they were called to Whitefield on a report of a vehicle driving erratically and striking other vehicles.
Police found Amy Blake, 59, and her two sons, Michael Marro, 41, and Eric Blake Jr., 29, suffering from gunshot wounds. The three were taken to hospitals, where Eric Blake Jr. was pronounced dead.
Marro and Amy Blake are listed in critical condition, officials said.
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Investigators said a fourth family member, Eric Blake Sr., 53, also suffered an apparent gunshot wound and was able to drive himself to the hospital, where he reported the incident.
An autopsy on Eric Blake Jr. determined that he died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a suicide.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, but they believe everyone involved has been identified, and there is no known threat to the public.
Residents in the area said they were shocked by what happened.
“I never thought I’d hear that here in Whitefield,” said Billy Galla, of neighboring Jefferson. “It’s a nice, quiet town.”
A man who lives down the road said he’s devastated that this happened so close to home.
“I’m not totally surprised, because it happens all the time at other places. It doesn’t mean it cannot happen here, which it did,” said neighbor Daren Adair. “It’s just extremely sad, and everybody around here feels the same way about it.”
Officials said no further information was expected to be released Tuesday.