Post by : Rameen Ariff

A New Hampshire teenager, who was just 16 at the time of the crime, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for killing his sister-in-law and two young nephews in 2022.

Eric Sweeney, now 19, admitted guilt in August this year to second-degree murder charges after the tragic shooting of Kassandra Sweeney, 25, and her two sons, 4-year-old Benjamin and 23-month-old Mason, in their Northfield home.

Sweeney was originally facing first-degree murder charges but pleaded guilty to lesser charges. During Friday’s court hearing, his lawyers requested a lighter sentence of 40 years, citing his difficult childhood filled with abuse, neglect, and trauma. They argued that Sweeney may have originally intended to harm himself before panicking.

However, prosecutors demanded a much harsher punishment, asking for 97 years to life, saying the murders were “senseless, unprovoked, and heinous.”

Judge John Kissinger eventually sentenced Sweeney to 60 years to life, allowing the possibility of parole when he turns 68, depending on his behavior and rehabilitation. The judge said the ruling reflected both the seriousness of the crime and a chance for redemption.

Prosecutors also presented heartbreaking details in court. On the day of the tragedy, Kassandra had prepared snacks and was recording joyful videos of her boys just minutes before the shooting. One video showed Benjamin calling his younger brother his “best friend.” Within four minutes, all three victims were killed with gunshots to the head.

Family members gave emotional statements, remembering Kassandra as a devoted mother and describing the boys as loving and full of life. Many relatives expressed anger toward Sweeney, with some demanding he face harsh consequences in prison.

While the defense highlighted Sweeney’s abusive upbringing and untreated trauma, prosecutors stressed that he made a clear choice to commit the killings.

The tragedy has left an “unfillable void” in the family, relatives said, as they continue to grieve the lives of Kassandra, Benjamin, and Mason.

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