New Hampshire man accused of fatally shooting his sister-in-law and nephews to plead guilty

Eric Sweeney, 19, is set to plead guilty to second-degree murder charges for the fatal shootings of his sister-in-law and two nephews in August 2022. Initially facing first-degree murder charges, he will enter his plea in Merrimack County Superior Court on Friday, and could face a life sentence. Sweeney lived with his brother’s family in Northfield, New Hampshire, where he shot Kassandra Sweeney, 25, and her sons, Benjamin, 4, and Mason, 1. Prosecutors highlighted Sweeney's behavioral issues that led to tensions within the home, prompting the family to seek police intervention. Sweeney left a note expressing feelings of alienation from the family prior to the shootings.

Following the incident, he claimed to have heard a commotion before finding the victims bleeding on the floor. Video evidence from Kassandra Sweeney’s phone captured the children playing shortly before the shooting, undermining Sweeney's defense. This case raises significant questions about mental health and familial responsibilities in guardianship situations.