Wayland Mother And Son, Cheryl And Richard Kane Jr., Dead In Apparent Murder-Suicide

WAYLAND (CBS) – Investigators believe a Natick man shot his mother Monday in an apparent murder-suicide at her home in Wayland. Authorities have identified the two people found dead as 68-year-old Cheryl Kane and 41-year-old Richard Kane, Jr.

Police responded to Adelaide Avenue just past 8 p.m. Monday after a resident of the home called 911 and they found a woman had been shot and killed in the garage. Officers also found the body of a man there, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"It appears Mrs. Kane was shot by her son in the garage of their home as she exited her car after returning from work," Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Wayland police said in a statement.

Police said Cheryl Kane was treasurer of the town of Maynard and due to retire on Friday. They described her as well-respected in the community.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Maynard's Treasurer/Collector Cheryl Kane," Maynard Town Manager Administrator Greg Johnson and the Board of Selectmen said in a statement. "Cheryl was a wonderful, bright member of our team. She was a tremendous asset to our community, and we're grateful for the contributions she made during her time with us."

Neighbors reported hearing loud bangs at about 4:45 p.m., according to police.

"I couldn't sleep last night it made me sick," neighbor Traci Tapply told reporters Tuesday.

She said she heard what sounded like a gunshot and soon her road was filled with flashing lights and first responders.

"I heard some bang, I don't know what time it was. Then I saw the ambulance, the fire truck, there were cars up and down, the state police, everything, all night."

Tapply says it's a peaceful neighborhood and there have never been any problems at the home before.

Police said they had responded to the home before but did not specify why. They blocked off the home with crime scene tape and detectives were seen going in and out of the garage throughout the night.

Investigators said this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

"This was the last thing I ever thought. But I know a lot of people are struggling now," Tapply said.

The Kane family later released a statement saying in part, "[Cheryl's] beloved son Richie was always close to her heart, and his lifelong battle with mental health issues never deterred that love. Richie spent time in multiple mental healthcare facilities in the months preceding his death and we would like to thank the doctors and caretakers who attempted to improve his condition. We are deeply saddened that no amount of professional help or love from his family could prevent this tragedy and we sympathize with other families who have suffered through similar challenges."