Groton Quadruple Homicide: Community Mourns

GROTON, MA — As a 22-year-old jazz drummer sits in custody — charged with murdering his mother, grandparents and a caretaker in Groton Friday — the picturesque New England town of 10,000 is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The four murders represent the town's first homicide case since 1996, when 16-year-old Stephanie Santerre was lured away from her Groton home by her sister's boyfriend and strangled. In the latest case, prosecutors said Orion Krause used a baseball bat to kill his four victims at a Common Street residence.

Prosecutors have not yet divulged a possible motive for the murders but said the tragedy was an "act of family violence." Krause is from Rockport, Maine, and recently graduated from Oberlin College. Friends told the Associated Press he was a quiet man and good friend. (Sign up for free daily newsletters and breaking news alerts from Massachusetts Patch sites.)

The Groton community held a vigil for the murder victims at the town common. Groton is a bedroom community, home to two prep schools — Groton School and Lawrence Academy. Musician J. Giels called Groton home up until his death at his residence in April. Sportswriter Peter Gammons grew up in Groton.

Police officials said the community was "rocked" by the murders.

"This was an isolated incident and the residents of Groton are not at risk," police said in a statement. "We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt appreciation for the support from our community, Groton Fire/EMS, surrounding communities, and law enforcement agencies during this investigation. Please keep the officers, firefighters, and EMS officers who continue to work this investigation in your thoughts."

Krause was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Monday in Ayer District Court. He was subsequently transported to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental evaluation. A competency hearing was scheduled for October 30.

Previous:

• Groton Murders: Mother, Grandparents Killed With Bat, Prosecutors Say
• Groton Quadruple Homicide: Neighbor Says Suspect Told Him 'I Murdered Four People'

Photo: Orion Krause (center) stands with his attorney Edward Wayland (left) at Krause's arraignment in Ayer District Court September 11, 2017. (Credit: Josh Reynolds/The Boston Globe via Associated Press, Pool)