Posted on 09/17/2011 1:32:36 PM PDT by Hildy
NEWTON Authorities yesterday identified the three people former town treasurer Jennifer Gaines shot and injured Monday in Mason before turning the gun on herself.
One is 53-year-old Karl Thordkildsen, the father of her two children. Also shot was Mary Meacher, 53, of Mason and a girl who is relative of Meacher. Her name was not released because she is a juvenile.
State police and Hillsborough County Attorney Dennis Hogan would not reveal the relationship between the four people, saying only that Gaines and Thordkildsen had children together.
But Newton residents who knew the couple said they had been married for years and lived on North Main Street before moving in the last year or two. Hogan said Gaines, 60, recently moved to Derry and Thordkildsen was living in Mason.
Police responded to the home at 317 Old Ashby Road in Mason about 10 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call for a domestic dispute.
Gaines died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The three victims were taken to area hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Their medical conditions were not available. Mason police and state police are still investigating the incident.
News of the shootings shocked residents of Newton, where Gaines was well known as a former town treasurer, School Board member and community volunteer.
Thordkildsen is described by residents, including Selectman Raymond Thayer, as a quiet man who usually stayed at home. He is also a skilled craftsman who makes bass guitars, Thayer said.
"He wasn't active in the community," he said. "He mostly kept to himself.
Thayer knew Gaines for more than 20 years, as did Planning Chairman and Sanborn Regional School Board member Jim Doggett.
Doggett, who also described as Thordkildsen as quiet, served on the School Board with Gaines for several years. He was especially surprised to hear about the shootings because he said Gaines was strongly opposed to guns.
"This is so completely out of the mold," he said.
Mary was shot in the face and cannot speak.
Prayers here for your friend’s recovery. What a horrifying tale.
Sounds like a jilted lover taking revenge on the new competition. Did
Mary realize she was in this position? I hope all of them recover.
How awful! I’m sorry to hear this Hildy and you have my prayers. I pray that your friend makes a full recovery and that Karl and the child will be all right. Terrible news.
Very shocking. May God grant healing to the injured, and may they be comforted by the presence and concern of those who love them. Dear Lord, please extend you blessings to these dear ones who need You.
I have no idea what she knew or didn’t know. Just tragic all around.
Prayers for your FRiends, Hildy.
Prayers for them.
Prayers for Mary and for all who were traumatized by this incident.
How very sad. Prayers up for Mary’s full recovery and for all involved.
Prayer bump
May God put his Loving Arms around your friend, strengthen her for the difficulties that surely lie ahead, and let her recover to a life free from pain, emotional scars and severe disfigurement. May God in His infinite wisdom bring a greater good from such an evil deed.
Just awful. Prayers sent, Hildy, for all of them, especially your friend.
Prayers up!
Thank you all for your prayers.
Prayers UP.
prayers
jilted lover
&&
The shooter was/had been married to the man....
Prayers up for all of the shooting victims.
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