Windsor, MA — A Windsor man faces first-degree murder charges following his confession to the fatal shooting of his sister in Berkshire County, authorities announced Thursday. The man walked into a local state police station and admitted to the crime, leading to his immediate arrest.
Paul Menard, 65, reported to the Massachusetts State Police in Cheshire that he had shot his sister, 62-year-old Monique Menard, at her Hinsdale home. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Monique Menard deceased, lying face down near her vehicle outside her residence. The evidence found at the site supported Paul Menard’s confession.
According to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, Menard revealed during questioning that he initially used one firearm, which malfunctioned, prompting him to switch to a second gun during the attack. He then drove to the police station about 20 minutes later, opting not to call 911 but to present himself directly to law enforcement.
In his recount to police, Menard detailed that he shot his sister multiple times, including in the front of her body, the back, and the back of her head. Details on the motive behind the shooting have not been disclosed, leaving the community and investigators searching for answers.
Menard was arraigned at the Central Berkshire District Court where the judge ordered him held without bail. His cooperation with police following the incident has been noted, although it does little to mitigate the gravity of the charges he faces.
The case has sent shockwaves through the small community of Windsor, where violent crime is relatively rare. Residents expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragic events, mourning the loss of Monique Menard while grappling with the circumstances of her untimely death.
Local authorities, including the Massachusetts State Police and the District Attorney’s Office, continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the killing. They have sought to reassure the public, emphasizing their commitment to a thorough investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
As the legal process unfolds, the community and Monique Menard’s family seek justice and answers, hoping to understand the series of events that led to such a devastating outcome. With the suspect in custody, attention now turns to the forthcoming proceedings and the eventual trial that will attempt to uncover the complexities of this disturbing case.