WILBRAHAM, Mass. — A community is in mourning after a tragic murder-suicide left a mother and her son dead in their home, shocking their tight-knit Armenian Church community where they were regarded as pillars. The incident unfolded just days after they celebrated Father’s Day together, making the tragedy all the more poignant.
Authorities conducting a welfare check early Tuesday morning discovered the bodies of Sima Setian Pariseau and her son, Dylan Pariseau, 27, in the basement of their Wilbraham residence. Peter Donaldson, 56, identified as Sima Setian Pariseau’s boyfriend of six years, was found deceased in the living room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Pastor Bedros Shetilian of St. Gregory’s Armenian Apostolic Church, where the mother and son were longtime members, expressed profound loss. He described Sima as exuberantly active in church affairs, having served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her vibrant personality was not just inspiring; it was foundational to our community spirit,” Pastor Shetilian reflected.
Dylan grew up in the church, from Sunday school to becoming a dependable volunteer. “He was always ready to lend a hand, and his presence will be profoundly missed,” added Pastor Shetilian.
The preliminary investigation suggests a domestic escalation, potentially linked to the couple’s deteriorating relationship. According to Shetilian, Donaldson had recently lost his job and Sima had shared with friends her intentions to end the relationship. Shetilian recounted, “Something tragic unfolded that morning leading to this devastating outcome.”
Dylan had moved back to live with his mother after being laid off from his job in Cambridge, which placed him at the scene, a happenstance that ended tragically. He was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School and Keene State College, popular among his peers and known for his gentle demeanor.
Sima, who also had an adult daughter living in California, came from a family deeply rooted in the local Armenian community. Her brother, a deacon in the church, and the rest of her family are established figures in Wilbraham, pushing through their shock and grieving process together.
The church is organizing a memorial service to honor the lives of Sima and Dylan. A recent statement from the church described Sima as “a beacon of light for her family and friends,” reflecting on the integral role the church played in their lives, assisting family and friends in their mourning with spiritual support.
“This harrowing event has touched every one of us here,” Pastor Shetilian stated. “In these moments of darkness, we turn to our faith more than ever, seeking solace and praying for eternal peace for their souls and comfort for their grieving family.”
As the community reels from this loss, the emphasis on familial and communal support is highlighted, drawing many closer in their shared lament and remembrance of lives tragically cut short.