DOVER, Mass. — An investigation is underway after three family members were found dead inside a mansion in Dover, Massachusetts, following an apparent domestic-related incident on Thursday night, authorities said.
Officers responding to a 911 call at a home at 8 Wilson’s Way just before 7:30 p.m. spoke with a relative who stopped by the house for a well-being check and found a man, woman, and their daughter dead inside, according to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
“Dover police responded to the home to find an adult male, adult female, and their teenage daughter deceased,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “Although the investigation is at a very preliminary stage, the evidence available at this time does not indicate the involvement of any outside party.”
During a news conference late Friday morning, Norfolk DA Michael Morrissey identified the family members as 57-year-old Rakesh Kamal, 54-year-old Teena Kamal, and 18-year-old Arianna Kamal.
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Morrissey confirmed that Arianna was a student at Middlebury College. In a statement, Milton Academy confirmed Arianna was a graduate of the class of 2023.
“Milton Academy is heartbroken to learn of the death of Arianna Kamal, a recent graduate of the class of 2023,” the school wrote. “Aria was a sweet, smart, kind young woman who was just beginning to realize her full potential.”
In a statement, Middlebury College described “Aria” as “a brilliant student and an amazing singer” who read at Middlebury’s Lessons and Carols service, and sang in the College Choir while enrolled in her first-year Mindfulness in Education seminar.
“She was connected and engaged in class, and passionate about everything she did. She was a beautiful writer and always did things 110 percent. She was a deeply spiritual person and dove into the material in the first-year seminar course,” Arianna’s teacher, Melissa Hammerle detailed.
The private college says they hope to meet with Aria’s friends and extended family to plan a remembrance once the winter break ends.
Her mother, Teena, served as president of Milton Academy’s Upper School Parents’ Association and was a “committed and caring advocate for both parents and students.”
“This is a devastating loss to our community. We are making counseling and grief support available to students, parents, and faculty who may need support as they process this incredibly sad news,” the school added.
Teena also served on the regional board of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts.
“The American Red Cross is deeply saddened by the tragedy in Dover. Teena Kamal served on our regional Board of Directors and served as vice-chair of our Massachusetts Tiffany Circle. Our hearts go out to their loved ones during this devastating time. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will refer any inquiries to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office,” a Red Cross spokesperson told Boston 25.
Morrissey said that state police found a firearm near Rakesh’s body during a sweep of the property and he called the incident a “confined situation.”
Morrissey added that the tragedy appears to be caused by a “deadly incident of domestic violence” and that the Office of the State Medical Examiner is working to determine an official cause and manner of the deaths.
“It’s safe for me to tell you that it’s probably a domestic incident,” Morrissey told reporters. “It’s a nice neighborhood. It’s a safe community.”
Neighborhood resident Sadie Hyde said she was shocked to learn what transpired.
“Just sad. It wasn’t expected, it’s a quiet neighborhood. I just feel bad for the family, and their extended, especially around the holidays,” Hyde said.
Morrissey urged anyone who is experiencing mental health problems to call the state’s domestic violence hotline at 877-785-2020 or the 988 Lifeline Chat.
“I think tensions that people feel in relationships often come out during the holidays,” Morrissey said. “It’s unfortunate.”
An investigation of this nature is “very rare” for not only Dover but also all of Norfolk County, Morrissey added.
Boston 25 News uncovered documents that showed the Kamal family was facing apparent financial difficulties. Filings in federal bankruptcy court in Boston showed Teena Kamal filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in September 2022.
Chapter 13 is designed for individuals with regular income who are temporarily unable to pay their debts. Under Chapter 13, petitioners must file a plan with the court to repay their creditors all or part of the money that they owe them using future earnings.
Teena listed liabilities between $1 million and $10 million in the filings, but the bankruptcy case was dismissed a month later due to failure to comply with court orders, the documents indicate. A creditor listed among the bankruptcy filings is Wilsondale Associates LLC.
Records from the Dover Assessor’s Department show the Kamals sold 8 Wilson’s Way to Wilsondale Associates in December 2022 for $3 million, despite the Town of Dover listing the value of the property at $6.8 million.
State troopers assigned to Morrissey’s office are assisting Dover police with the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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