Dad murders two teen sons and their mother (Herndon, Virginia)

More ridiculous press coverage of a father-committed mass murder-suicide. Do reporters never learn? As has been emphasized for years by domestic violence educators, it is usually pointless to interview the neighbors. They are typically clueless. They have no idea what the killer was really like, so they usually say he was "nice" or "good" or some drivel like that. But in fact, they never saw what went on behind closed doors, so their opinion is worthless. In fact, worse than worthless, because it gives the impression that these crimes just happen "out of the blue." That is usually not the case. These guys generally have a long history of narcissistic and controlling behavior, even if Mom never called the police regarding violence (many women never do, for a variety of reasons).  

Better to interview someone who understands family murder-suicides. Or maybe Mom's friends and family. They are more likely to know what was going on IF Mom was able to confide in them. 

The killer dad is identified as ALBERT PETERSON. 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57521533-504083/father-killed-wife-2-sons-in-virginia-murder-suicide-police-say/

September 27, 2012 2:24 PM
Father killed wife, 2 sons in Virginia murder-suicide, police say

By Crimesider Staff

(CBS/AP) HERNDON, Va. - Police say a Northern Virginia man fatally shot his wife and two teenage sons in the family home before killing himself earlier this week. Fairfax County Police discovered the bodies Tuesday, but did not say how the four died until Wednesday, after the medical examiner had conducted autopsies.

 According to police, 57-year-old Albert Peterson shot and killed his wife, 52-year-old Kathleen Peterson, and their two sons, 16-year-old Matthew Peterson and 13-year-old Christopher, before taking his own life. All four died from gunshots to the upper body.

 Police checked on the home Tuesday after co-workers became concerned that the adults had not reported to work for two days.

A neighbor of the family, Alvaro Lopes, told CBS DC that the family recently completed building a deck and showed no outward signs of trouble.

"They were good people," said Lopes. "Very quiet [and] would hang out in their front yard and do some barbecues." 

 A candlelight vigil was scheduled Wednesday night at the family's church, Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon.