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Monica Sanchez, of Springfield, the girlfriend of Victor Nieves, was charged with eight counts of improper storage of a firearm and a single charge of possession of a high-capacity feeding device, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office. Police arrested her on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
Investigators said Sanchez has eight guns registered in her name, but five could not be found and were never reported stolen. The three others were found unsecured in her house.
Nieves, 34, of Springfield, used one of her guns to kill Kim Fairbanks, 52, and her 10-year-old granddaughter, Aubrianna Lynn, his downstairs neighbors at 174 Berkshire Ave., and their dog, police said. He also shot Fairbanks' 12-year-old granddaughter, but she survived.
Nieves then turned the gun on himself.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said Sanchez should have shown more caution with her weapons.
Gun ownership comes with immense responsibility. Needless and senseless gun violence and suicides can be reduced when people in crisis do not have access to firearms. By all indications, the carnage inflicted upon this family was preventable had proper precautions been taken. Owners of firearms should take note that the laws that require you to properly store and secure guns at all times will be enforced.”
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