Mother, children found dead in apparent murder-suicide at Boston garage identified

BOSTON — The Suffolk County district attorney has identified the mother and her two young children found dead at a Boston parking garage on Christmas Day.

Police were called just before 1:30 p.m. Christmas Day to the Renaissance Park Garage in Boston where they found the woman and two children unconscious on the sidewalk. They were taken to a hospital, where all three were pronounced dead. District Attorney Rachael Rollins identified the woman as 40-year-old Erin Pascal, of West Roxbury, and her two children, Allison and Andrew.

“Today is an extremely sad day," Rollins said Thursday in a news conference. Authorities are in the early stages of the investigation but say evidence suggests the deaths are very likely double murder-suicide.

Wednesday’s incident marks the third, fourth and fifth deaths at this parking garage in 2019. Officials with Northeastern University, which owns the Renaissance garage, said Wednesday it has “indefinitely blocked both pedestrian and vehicular access to the top two floors of the Renaissance Park garage. This restricted access will continue until a permanent solution is implemented. In addition, effective immediately, there will be 24-hour security staffing in place to monitor the Renaissance Park garage.”

Rollins spent much of the news conference Thursday discussing mental health and the resources available for those who may be struggling saying, “There’s help available and I sincerely hope people use it.”

You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, know there is help. There are local and national resources available.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. Press #1 if you are a veteran.
• The Samaritans Statewide Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-877-870-4673.
• The Trevor Helpline is available 24/7 at 866-488-7386, Specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and young adults.

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