Fairfield Tragedy: A Follow-Up

From all indications, Tuesday’s horror in Fairfield was domestic violence.

Responding to a report of a “violent domestic assault,” police found Christopher Andrews’ wife stabbed in the head. His 12-year-old son had been nearly killed with a baseball bat. His other 2 children were also injured. When Andrews approached a Fairfield police officer with a knife — and ignored repeated requests to drop it — the policeman shot and killed him.

The tragedy put a spotlight on domestic violence. Yesterday, “06880” offered resources for victims, via the Westport Police Department. The town of Fairfield and the the Center for Family Justice — an advocacy group — planned a vigil for tomorrow, on the Old Town Hall Green.

Now the event has been canceled. According to the Connecticut Post, the Andrews family does not want “domestic violence” to be associated with the event.

Three friends of the family told the paper that what happened Tuesday is completely out of character for Andrews, a New York lawyer.

A statement by a family representative said:

Kathleen and her family are shocked and devastated by this tragedy, and continue to ask for prayers as she and her family heal. They respectfully request that no one pass any judgment on any of their family including Christopher Andrews and they respectfully request that their privacy be honored during this very difficult time.

The vigil will not take place. First Selectman Michael Tetreau urged residents to support the Andrews “in any way the family deem appropriate.”