ACTON, Mass. – A tragic murder-suicide unfolded in Acton, Massachusetts, on Thursday, when a 16-year-old girl was shot and killed by her stepfather. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the incident took place in the afternoon, leaving the community shocked and devastated.
According to authorities, the police received a report around 4 p.m. that the teenager had been abducted. Officers promptly initiated a search and discovered the victim, along with 49-year-old Juliano Santana, dead from gunshot wounds inside Santana’s vehicle.
This heartbreaking incident follows a history of abuse. In 2021, the victim had reported Santana for sexually assaulting her. As a result, Santana was arrested on six counts of aggravated rape of a child on September 7 of that same year.
Despite being released on $30,000 bail with GPS monitoring, Santana was ordered to stay away from the victim and to have no contact with her or anyone under the age of 18 without supervision. The victim had an active restraining order against Santana, and his trial was scheduled to commence on July 29.
The events leading up to the murder-suicide are still under investigation, as confirmed by the district attorney’s office. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect the victims subjected to such heinous acts.
The Acton community, and indeed the greater Boston area, mourns the loss of this young life and gathers in solidarity to offer support to the victim’s loved ones. As authorities continue their investigation, it is crucial to foster a society where victims are heard, protected, and empowered so that no more lives are tragically cut short.