20 August 2023 , 07:48
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A mum's world has been "shattered" after her 10-year-old daughter died when she was shot by a neighbour who is said to have forced his way into the family's apartment and also killed the girl's grandma.
10-year-old Aubrianna Lynn was shot in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Monday, August 14, and died of her injuries on Thursday, August 17, according to her mum. Sharing the news of her daughter's passing on Facebook, Stephanie Croteau wrote: "At 12.56pm, my princess Aubrianna Lynn's heart stopped beating. It was peaceful, she was not in any pain. She was surrounded by her family. My whole heart has been completely ripped out of my chest. It's shattered. It hurts. The pain I feel is unbearable. You were the lightness to everyone's darkness. You always were able to put a smile on everyone's face. My baby. My love. My little Nani.
Kim Fairbanks and her granddaughter Aubrianna Lynn were shot and killed (GoFundMe)"You came into this world figh[ing] and you left this world fighting. There's nothing I really have to say because I am just so heartbroken and I am so speechless. I never imagined I would have had to bury one of my children. I love you my fierce girl. You were a warrior. I just f***ing bare (sic) this. We ask that everyone respects our wishes and gives us ALOT of space and time at this point."
Police were called to the apartment on Monday, August 14, at 12.40pm with reports of shots fired. When officers arrived at the scene, they made their way into the first-floor apartment.
Aubrianna’s grandmother, Kim Fairbanks, 52, was also shot and killed (Youtube)
10-year-old Aubrianna Lynn was airlifted to Boston Children's Hospital (Facebook)They found a man, later identified as Victor Nieves, 34, of Springfield, dead on the floor from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers also found a woman, later identified as Aubrianna's grandmother Kim Fairbanks, 52, of Springfield, dead.
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A further search of the apartment discovered the three children - Michele, 12, Aubrianna, 10, and CJ, five. Michele was shot and taken to Baystate Medical Center in a stable condition. Aubrianna was airlifted to Boston Children's Hospital, while CJ escaped unharmed.
The family's dog was also killed in the attack (Facebook)
Kim Fairbanks, Aubrianna's grandmother, was with the three children when the shooting happened (Youtube)Officers also found the body of the family's dog in the home. Ms Croteau paid tribute to her beloved pup on Facebook, saying: "Our big boy. thank you for being a protector of my mummy
"I know your last breath was standing infront of her. You did so good boy. You were the best dog ever."
On August 15, the day after the shooting, Ms Croteau posted an update on her Facebook page, saying: "My mum is gone, our dog is gone. My Aubrie is fighting for her life in Boston right now. She is in critical condition.
"Michele is okay, she got hurt but it grazed her. She protected both her siblings. Cj didn't get hurt. He's in shock but he's okay and is with family."
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, center, arrives at the scene of the shooting (AP)Investigators say Nieves, the suspected shooter, lived in the upstairs apartment. They believe he forcibly entered his neighbour's apartment and began shooting at those inside before turning the gun on himself.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D Gulluni said: "I remain deeply saddened by this tragic attack and I am profoundly sorry for these children and their family members. This is unequivocally one [of] the most heinous and cowardly acts to which I've had to bear witness as District Attorney.
Shooting suspect Victor Nieves (AP)"My heart goes out to the parents of these children and the family and loved ones of Ms Fairbanks. As investigators, we will do everything we can to support this family as we move forward and close the criminal investigation."
An investigation has been launched, though authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl C Clapprood said: "This is an absolute tragedy and I am praying for this family.
"In my forty-plus years at the Springfield Police Department, this is one of the most heart-wrenching incidents I can remember.
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"I am extremely proud of my officers who were the first responders that were able to get these children to Baystate as rapidly as they did. We are holding a debriefing for those officers and will provide any support that we can because most officers won’t have to encounter a scene like that in their entire career.”