Daijiworld Media Network – New Hampshire

New Hampshire, Oct 4: A young man from New Hampshire, Eric Sweeney, 19, who was 16 when he fatally shot his sister-in-law Kassandra Sweeney, 25, and her two young sons, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. The crimes, committed in August 2022, shocked the Northfield community and left a family devastated.

Sweeney, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, told his lawyers he cannot remember committing the killings. Defense attorney Lauren Prusiner highlighted the “immeasurable trauma” he endured as a child, including exposure to drug dens and abusive guardians, and suggested he may have initially intended to harm himself before panicking.

Prosecutors had sought a harsher sentence of at least 97 years, emphasizing that the killings were unprovoked and senseless, with six shots fired at the victims. Judge John Kissinger acknowledged both the severity of Sweeney’s actions and his troubled childhood, allowing for up to six years of suspension, making Sweeney eligible for parole at age 68.

During sentencing, family and friends of the victims described Kassandra as a devoted mother and her sons as joyful children. The courtroom heard emotional tributes, with some expressing forgiveness while others voiced anger and resentment.

Sweeney, who remains remorseful yet emotionally detached, received messages of concern from mentors, including Paul Galasso, a volunteer tutor who continues to support him during incarceration.