August 30, 2023 -Springfield- On Tuesday, August 29, 2023 Monica Sanchez, 32, of Springfield was arrested and charged with 9 criminal offenses, improper storage of a firearm (8 charges)  and a single charge of possession of a high capacity feeding device. The charges stem from the double homicide that occurred at 174 Berkshire Avenue on August 14, 2023. The shooter, Victor Nieves, shot himself after opening fire on the unsuspecting family, used one of the improperly stored firearms registered to Ms. Sanchez.    

Ms. Sanchez had eight firearms registered to her, five of those registered could not be found and have never been reported as stolen to law enforcement. Of the remaining three firearms found, two were located within the residence unsecured, and the last improperly stored firearm was located in an inconspicuous location in the basement.  

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “Gun ownership comes with immense responsibility. Needless and senseless gun violence and suicides can be reduced when people in crisis do not have access to firearms. By all indications, the carnage inflicted upon this family was preventable had proper precautions been taken. Owners of firearms should take note that the laws that require you to properly store and secure guns at all times will be enforced.”

Recently, as a part of the homicide investigation, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni directed investigators to draft and apply for an arrest warrant for Ms. Sanchez. The application was submitted on August 29, 2023 and approved by the Springfield District Court leading to members of the Springfield Police Department locating and arresting Ms. Sanchez.

On Monday, August 14 at 2:40 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to 174 Berkshire Avenue for a report of shots fired. Officers arrived on scene and made entry into the first floor apartment. They immediately observed an adult male, later identified as Victor Nieves, 34, of Springfield, deceased on the floor. Officers also found an adult female, later identified as Kim Fairbanks, 52, of Springfield, deceased, alongside a deceased canine. Several days later on August 17, 2023, Aubrianna Lynn Serra, 10, of Springfield passed away from injuries she received from being shot. Aubrianna Lynn was one of three siblings located in the apartment when officers from the Springfield Police Department arrived on scene.  

Monica Sanchez is expected to be arraigned today in Springfield District Court.  

This remains an ongoing investigation by the Springfield Police Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s Murder Unit.