The mother and her 9-month-old son who tragically lost their lives on Monday in a devastating incident at a home in North Andover, Massachusetts, have been identified by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities arrived at the residence on Turnpike Street, also known as Route 114, at 5:30 p.m. They discovered the lifeless body of Jennifer T. Paez, aged 35, and her son, Valentino Paez, who had sustained knife injuries.
Valentino was brought to Lawrence General Hospital, where he was declared deceased.
According to officials, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker and North Andover police have stated that early indicators suggest that Paez wounded her son and then took her own life. The investigation is currently active and ongoing.
Investigators and animal control returned to the residence on Tuesday. Animal control officers removed a large crate containing an animal, along with a smaller crate housing another creature.
According to neighbors who spoke with WCVB’s Mary Saladna, a group of young adults had rented the home.
According to the clerk’s office at Lawrence District Court, Paez currently has two open cases against her. The Department of Children and Families is currently conducting an investigation in cooperation with law enforcement.
Authorities deployed three fire trucks to protect the front of the residence during their investigation.
According to the district attorney’s office, this incident is considered isolated and does not pose a threat to the public.