2 dead in Oxford shootings; Father apparently killed one child, shot another, then himself.

• Position: NEWS

Byline: Lisa Eckelbecker

OXFORD - One child is dead and another in the hospital with a gunshot wound after their father apparently shot them and then himself yesterday.

Oxford police received a 911 call at about 5 p.m., and when they arrived at 128 Main St., they found a boy, Owen Benway, 9, on the kitchen floor, his sister, Abigail , 7, dead in the master bedroom, and their father, Daryl Benway, 41, also dead, in the master bedroom.

Police believe Mr. Benway shot his two children and then himself. Officials are not speculating on the motive, but said Daryl recently became separated from his wife, Kelleen. Neighbors also confirmed that she was finding a different place to live.

Owen was transported by ambulance to UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus with a gunshot wound to the head.

The 911 call was made by Shawn Benway, Daryl's brother.

They are not disclosing the type of gun used, but they are saying that Daryl had a gun license that expired in 1999.

Kelleen Benway arrived at the scene today and was informed about what happened. When she arrived at the scene, she was restrained because there was some confusion at first about who was responsible for the shootings, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. She later went to the hospital.

Daryl Benway has a stepdaughter, Nickole, 25, who went to the hospital with...