BEDFORD, MA – A Bedford couple was fatally shot Thursday morning, allegedly by their daughter, who has since been charged with their murders, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. Jessica Cavallaro, 24, is accused of shooting her parents, Mark Cavallaro and Thelma Tatten, both 56, as they arrived to take her to breakfast.
Authorities received a 911 call just after 9 a.m. from a Washington Street resident reporting that a woman had confessed to shooting her parents. Responding officers found the couple in their car on a nearby lawn. Thelma Tatten was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mark Cavallaro was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Court documents reveal that Jessica Cavallaro, who lives with her boyfriend’s family, had earlier complained of a panic attack before retreating to her bedroom. She emerged about 30 minutes later, stating she was going to breakfast with her parents. Once in the backseat of their car, she allegedly shot them both in the head.
After the shooting, Cavallaro returned to her residence and informed her boyfriend’s father of the incident. The firearm used in the shooting was reportedly taken from her boyfriend’s safe. The boyfriend’s father then called 911, leading to Cavallaro’s arrest.
Jessica Cavallaro faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. She was arraigned in Concord District Court, where she pleaded not guilty and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. She is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on August 20.
Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief at the incident. Colleen, a local resident, described the unsettling scene, noting that she had driven by the area just minutes before the police arrived. District Attorney Marian Ryan stated that there was no known history of trouble between the suspect and the victims.