WILBRAHAM, Mass. — A tragic turn of events struck a Massachusetts community this week when a mother and her son were found dead following a murder-suicide involving her boyfriend, authorities report. The bodies of Sima Setian Pariseau and her son Dylan Pariseau, 27, were discovered in their home’s basement by police conducting a welfare check early Tuesday morning.
Pastor Bedros Shetilian of St. Gregory’s Armenian Apostolic Church, where the Pariseaus were active members, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Sima, a long-time congregant, held the position of Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees and was remembered for her vibrancy and supportive spirit. Dylan grew up attending the church, described by Shetilian as a helpful and positive individual.
The principal suspect, Peter Donaldson, 56, was also found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot in the home’s living room. According to Shetilian, Sima and Donaldson had been in a relationship for six years but were in the midst of a separation, spurred by personal and professional turmoil in Donaldson’s life.
The pastor shared that Donaldson had been recently laid off from his job at a printing company and described interactions with him as distant and cold. He believed that the stresses of Donaldson’s job loss and the impending breakup may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Dylan had only recently moved back to Wilbraham to live with his mother after losing his job in Cambridge three months ago. Shetilian reflected on the unfortunate timing, noting that Dylan had only returned home temporarily while seeking employment.
The Pariseau family, including Sima’s adult daughter in California and extended relatives deeply integrated into the church community, have been left reeling by the events. Sima’s brother, a deacon of the church, and other family members traveled from as far as New York City to support each other in the aftermath.
St. Gregory’s Church, a cornerstone in the lives of the Pariseaus, is preparing a memorial service to honor their lives. The church’s community has expressed its devastation and remembers Sima as a beacon of light and her son as a constant presence by her side.
This tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit Armenian community in Wilbraham, leaving friends and family members to grapple with the sudden loss of their loved ones and seek solace in their faith and each other.