Community Raises Money To Help 3 Orphaned By Murder-Suicide

HIGHLAND FALLS, NY — People around the Hudson Valley are reaching into their pocketbooks to help the children of a Highland Falls mother and father who died Oct. 26 of an apparent murder-suicide. Police were called to a home on Knox Road around 8:40 a.m. that day and found Mario L. Vanzetta, 41, and Stephanie Vanzetta, 41, dead.

The preliminary investigation indicated that Mario Vanzetta killed Stephanie Vanzetta before taking his own life.

Adrienne Bono, a friend of Michael Helbig, Stephanie Vanzetta's brother, began a fundraising account to help him take care of his niece and two nephews.

SEE ALSO: Apparent Murder-Suicide In Hudson Valley

Bono said the children went to bed the night after the incident "devastated, confused and in a pain no child is equipped to endure.

"These kids have a very long road ahead and many things to face in the years to come," she said.

As of the afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 31, more than $80,000 out of a goal of $100,000 has been raised on GoFundMe.

To make a donation, go here.

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Photo credit: GoFundMe.