The San Jose Mercury News reports today Sunnyvale police: Mother killed 22-year-old autistic son, then herself
A Sunnyvale woman who told neighbors she was “so tired” and could no longer handle caring for her 22-year-old autistic son shot him in his bedroom and then turned the gun on herself.
Elizabeth Hodgins’ husband came home at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday to find his wife and their son, George, dead, according to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety. Police declined to point to a motive. She left no note.
The story details how the mother wanted to get her son into a more community-oriented program. For the record, I am well aware of the program he was in before and it is excellent, with caring, dedicated staff.
heartbreaking 😦
Shannon’s response (her son is at the school the murdered young man aged out of) We Must Do Better
This is so incredibly sad! Caring for an autistic child, teen, young adult, adult requires endless resources in every aspect. Respite care gives family caregivers of elderly relatives a much needed break. It would be so great if the same type of service was available to caregivers of children with autism. Prayers for God’s blessings on this family.