Daryl Benway, Mass. father, shoots his two children, kills one, then himself in weekend attack, authorities say

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Kelleen Benway is temporarily detained by a police officer after she returned to her home in Oxford, Mass. where multiple shootings occurred. Her estranged husband shot his two children, killing his 7-year-old daughter, before committing suicide, prosecutors said.

/ Steve Lanava, AP Photo/Worcester Telegram & Gazette

(CBS/AP) WORCESTER, Mass. - Daryl Benway, a man who had recently separated from his wife, shot his two children, killing his 7-year-old daughter, before committing suicide, prosecutors said

Benway's brother called police Saturday night after finding the bodies of the 41-year-old father and his daughter, Abigail, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said. The bodies were found in the master bedroom of their two-story Oxford home.

Owen, Benway's 9-year-old son, was found shot in the head in the kitchen and was taken to UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center in serious condition. Early's spokesman said Sunday that Owen has been in pediatric intensive care. No additional information about his condition was provided.

Unaware of what happened, Benway's wife Kelleen returned home after the shootings and found a swarm of police cruisers and television crews, Early said. She was then taken to the children's hospital, where authorities told her the fates of her children and husband.

Benway's brother Shawn reportedly lived on the first floor of the home with his wife and mother. Shawn Benway called 911 to report the shootings, Early said.

Police couldn't speculate on a motive, Early said. The Benways separated weeks ago, but were still married.

No restraining orders had been filed against Daryl Benway and he had no criminal record, the DA said. He had a gun license that expired in 1999, Early said.

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by K__MCA July 30, 2012 11:41 AM EDT

Soooooo sad. I sort of agree but at the same time; what closure/retribution does the wife/mother get? I try to believe in our Justice System although at time; very hard to do (Casey Anthony). But I almost wish this jerk went to trial and was made to suffer the rest of his pathetic life. You got it right though; a total monster.

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by ahendryx819 July 30, 2012 11:55 AM EDT: I see where you're coming from, but I have seen personally what a failure the justice system can be, especially when it comes to murderers. When my cousin was murdered, I remember wishing the scumbag would have just killed himself, too. But instead, he'll be released, possibly after only serving 7 years. At least this poor woman won't ever have to worry about him getting out of prison, hurting her, or hurting anyone else. (I agree about Casey Anthony.)


by ahendryx819 July 30, 2012 10:23 AM EDT: I know people think it's ignorant and judgmental, but I'm gonna say it anyway.....I'm glad he killed himself, and I hope he's rotting in hell where he belongs. RIP to his poor daughter, and I hope his son recovers. Only a monster could do something like this to their own kids...; Reply to this comment