A 9-year-old boy is fighting for his life after a weekend shooting in Massachusetts at the hands of his father, who police say also killed his 7-year-old daughter before committing suicide.
Lawrence, left, and Ann Miller, who have lived in Oxford for over 30 years, stand together at the beginning of a candle light vigil held on the town common in Oxford, Mass., on Monday, July 30, 2012. The vigil was in remembrance of 7-year-old Abigail Benway, slain by her father, and to pray for her 9-year-old brother, Owen Benway, who was also shot before their father, Daryl Benway, 41, took his own life in their home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Betty Jenewin)OXFORD, Mass. (AP) — A 9-year-old boy is fighting for his life after a weekend shooting in Massachusetts at the hands of his father, who police say also killed his 7-year-old daughter before committing suicide.
A hospital spokeswoman said Monday shooting victim Owen Benway was in critical condition.
Authorities said the children's father, Daryl Benway, 41, separated from his wife just weeks before opening fire Saturday at the family's home in Oxford, 60 miles south of Boston.
On Monday night, nearly 1,000 people attended a prayer vigil in Oxford, including friends and classmates of the children, The (Worcester) Gazette & Telegram reported.
Owen's sister, Abigail Benway, was to start second grade soon at Chaffee Elementary School. Schools officials are offering grief counseling.
The newspaper said the children's mother, Kelleen Benway, posted a message on her Facebook page Monday saying, "I want to thank all that keep Abby and Owen in their prayers. I am truly devastated without my little girl and hanging on to my son with all I am. Please continue to pray for Owen."
Friends and neighbors tell The Boston Globe that Daryl Benway recently lost his job and feared foreclosure.