‘A very gentle soul’: Head of St. John’s Prep in Danvers identifies student found dead in Andover

DANVERS, Mass. — The 12-year-old boy who was found shot to death alongside his parents in an apparent murder-suicide in their Andover home early Thursday morning was a beloved student at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, the school’s headmaster said.

Sebastian Robinson, a sixth-grade student, was one of three people found dead inside a home at 48 Porter Road shortly after 3 a.m., according to Ed Hardiman, the Head of School at St. John’s Prep.

“Our community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Sebastian. The loss of a student within the context of a school, especially someone so young, is heartbreaking,” Hardiman said during a news conference. “The circumstances of Sebastian’s death are extraordinarily tragic and we’re still processing a great deal.”

Officers responding to a 911 breached two doors to gain access to the home and found the three individuals suffering from fatal gunshot wounds, according to Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe and Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

Authorities: Father, mother, 12-year-old son found shot to death in Andover home

Tucker’s office identified the victims as 56-year-old Andrew Robinson, 55-year-old Linda Robinson, and their 12-year-old son Sebastian Robinson.

“He was a kind and gentle presence. He was well loved by his teachers. Extraordinary creative,” Hardiman said. “He was just a really wonderful kid, with a great nature, who was an avid reader. He very much impressed his teachers with his knowledge of many of the books as they sat and talked about literature.

Hardiman said teachers at the school also referred to Robinson as a “very gentle soul.” He also said the boy had a “tremendous friend group” and a love for playing the cello.

Hardiman said grief counselors will be made available for students and staff in the days ahead. A community prayer service is planned for 5 p.m. at the school’s Mahoney Wellness Center.

Andrew Robinson turned the gun on himself after shooting his wife and son to death, according to investigators.

The incident remains under investigation.

Heavy police presence at Andover home after 3 people found dead

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