Eastchester Schools 'Shattered' By Tragic Slaying Of Popular Teacher

EASTCHESTER, NY — The Eastchester school community is reeling from tragic events that took the life of a teacher, and left three students without their parents.

Anne Hutchinson fifth-grade teacher Arlene O’Neill was killed in what police are calling an "apparent murder-suicide." Investigators believe her husband, Sean O’Neill shot her several times with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself.

The family’s three children, all of whom attend Eastchester schools, were home at the time of the tragic events, but are now safe with family members, according to police.

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"Today, the Eastchester Union Free School District was shattered by the tragic death of Arlene O'Neill, a beloved fifth grade teacher at Anne Hutchinson," Superintendent Ronald D. Valenti said in a message to families on Wednesday. "In this time of sorrow and loss, we encourage all members of the community to keep Arlene, her three sons, and the rest of her family and friends in their thoughts and prayers. In this trying time, we also must remember how important community can be as a part of the healing process."

The superintendent said that in addition to mobilizing the district crisis team, resources were made available from neighboring districts, including Bronxville and Southern Westchester BOCES in order to "provide comfort to students, faculty and other staff members as they process this news."

Valenti said staff from Southern Westchester BOCES and Pelham are helping. Other districts, including Rye City, White Plains and Tarrytown, have all pledged additional counseling support if needed.

The superintendent also provided resources below that may help as staff and students try to come to terms with the recent troubling events.

• The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Helping Children Cope With Tragedy
• Child Mind Institute: Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
• National Institute of Mental Health: Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic
• Events
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
• MHA Of Westchester : Get Help Now | MHA
• Mental Health & Addiction Services — The Guidance Center of Westchester
• Community Services & Family Support | The Arc Westchester
• 24 Hour Crisis Assistance Hotline 914-949-8200