Murder-Suicide In East Granby Shakes Police To Its Core

AVON, CT — After less than two months leading the Avon Police Department, Avon Police Chief Paul Melanson is already dealing with about as difficult a situation a department can deal with.

On Aug. 28, Avon Police Sgt. Thomas Jacius, 49, shot and killed his wife, Doreen Jacius, 48, in their home in East Granby, officials said.

Doreen Jacius was the East Granby Public Library director. The couple had two daughters and Melanson admitted the children were or had been experiencing some "medical issues."

According to the state's chief medical examiner, Doreen Jacius died from gunshot wounds to the neck and torso, while Thomas Jacius died from a head wound consistent with suicide.

At a press conference Monday at Avon police headquarters, Melanson said the department is still shocked about what happened and members are still trying to figure out if there were any signs such a tragedy could happen.

"This was completely shocking to anyone here," Melanson said in the press conference Monday, as seen on a stream posted on Youtube via WFSB Channel 3. "Many of us worked closely with Thomas Jacius. He was well respected in the department, in the community."

Melanson, who started work as Avon's chief July 2 after a stint as Farmington's top cop, said Avon is cooperating with Connecticut State Police, which is probing the murder-suicide.

He said after repeated meetings and self doubt, Avon authorities still cannot find anything that could have been a red flag about Thomas Jacius.

And, Melanson said, that is frustrating local authorities currently.

"We're trained. How could we miss this?" said Melanson. "And that's the answer that really all of them are struggling with.

"As you can imagine, everyone is questioning themselves."

Melanson said during Thomas Jacius' last time at work, he was smiling, interacting with everybody and, even, planning a fishing trip.

"None of this makes sense to us," Melanson said. "We're all searching for answers."

While state authorities search for clues, Melanson said Avon's department couldn't find any issues within the Jacius' personal lives that could have been a problem.

He said, in recent years, police departments do pay more and more attention to the link between personal stress, stress on the job and mental health.

As such, Melanson said, there are regular mental health reviews and drug screenings for officers.

Melanson said that approach is something that wasn't the case decades ago.

"30 years ago, we never would have mentioned this. It would have been swept under the rug," Melanson said. "It was shown as a sign of weakness 30 years ago."

For now, Melanson said the state investigation goes on and Avon police will do whatever they can to help.

He said he and his colleagues are looking for answers just as much as the Jacius' family members and state investigators.

"In our line of work, we like to have answers. We like to know why," Melanson said. "In this one, on this day, I can't tell you that."

To watch the full press conference via WFSB Channel 3's Youtube page, click on this link.

From Aug. 29: 'Avon Police Sergeant And Wife Found Shot To Death At East Granby Home'