Mother, Children ID'd In 'Likely' Double Murder-Suicide

BOSTON — The Christmas Day deaths of a mother and her two young children was "very likely" a double murder-suicide, according to Boston's top prosecutor.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said Erin Pascal, 40, of West Roxbury leapt to her death Wednesday afternoon after her two children, Allison, 4, and Andrew, 1, were dropped from the top of the Renaissance Park Garage in Roxbury.

"Yesterday, the unspeakable happened, and now we are all struggling to make sense of the circumstances surrounding these deaths," Rollins said.

Rollins said the father of the children was notified of their deaths Wednesday.

Police found the three victims unconscious outside the garage near the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury shortly before 2 p.m. They were pronounced dead at a hospital.

>>>Related: After 5 Deaths In 7 Months, Northeastern Beefs Up Garage Security

The Renaissance Park Garage has now been the site of five deaths in the past seven months. Boston College student Alexander Urtula jumped from the garage on the day of his graduation in May, and his girlfriend is being tried on involuntary manslaughter charges for what prosecutors said was encouraging his suicide; and another suicide occurred Dec. 9, authorities said.

Rollins said she reached out to Northeastern University, which owns the garage, after the Dec. 9 incident

"I don't know what else has to happen in order for this to be handled or taken more seriously," Rollins said.

Northeastern told Patch Thursday it is increasing security at the garage.

Rollins noted that the holidays can be hard for families and urged anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out for help.