The new year turned tragic in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, where a seemingly happy family was torn apart by an unthinkable act of violence. On January 3, police discovered the bodies of 39-year-old Danielle Arruda, her two young children, Adele (5) and Felex (2), and her husband, Nicholas Arruda, 39, in their home at 15 Cheyenne Trail. Danielle, who was seven months pregnant, and the children had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Nicholas had a single gunshot wound to the head, which authorities believe was self-inflicted.

The shocking murder-suicide has left the community reeling and searching for answers in the wake of an event described by Police Chief Richard Ramsay as “heinous.”

Authorities responded to the home for a wellness check after Danielle’s coworkers reported her missing. As a paralegal, Danielle was known for her reliability, and her failure to show up for work raised immediate concern.

When officers arrived, they found the home locked and secured from the inside. Forcing entry, they uncovered a scene of unimaginable horror. All four family members were still in their pajamas, suggesting the violence occurred during the night. A semi-automatic M4-type firearm was found next to Nicholas’s body, believed to be the weapon used in the killings.

Investigators estimate the tragedy unfolded sometime between the evening of January 1 and the early hours of January 2.

The Arrudas had lived in their West Greenwich home since 2019. Friends and family described them as a close-knit, loving household, with Nicholas serving as a stay-at-home father homeschooling their children while Danielle worked full-time.

Danielle’s cousin, Mikayla Ruffner Cihat, who had spent Christmas with the family, expressed disbelief over the tragedy. “It seems so out of the blue,” she said.

Despite the outward appearance of normalcy, some details hint at struggles beneath the surface. Nicholas had been unemployed for years due to a back injury, and police revealed a history of domestic violence. In 2014, he was arrested for a felony domestic incident involving another woman. The case was later dismissed when the victim chose not to cooperate.

The violent deaths of Danielle and her children have shaken the small Rhode Island town. Local anti-violence organization Sojourner House issued a statement mourning the loss and calling attention to the critical need for awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

“This horrific act underscores the critical need for greater awareness, prevention, and support services for those affected by domestic violence. No one should live in fear within their own home,” the organization stated.

Chief Ramsay echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the lack of clear answers for why this tragedy occurred. “I wish there could be an explanation to help you make sense of this horrific act. But the truth is we may never know why it happened.”

While the family appeared happy to those around them, domestic violence often exists behind closed doors, unnoticed by even close friends and relatives. This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of recognizing warning signs and offering support to those who may be at risk.

Organizations like Sojourner House and the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide resources and support to individuals facing abuse. Their mission is to prevent tragedies like this one by fostering safe spaces and empowering victims to seek help.

The loss of Danielle, Adele, Felex, and their unborn sibling leaves an unfillable void in the lives of those who loved them. The tragedy has also sparked conversations about the intersection of mental health, domestic violence, and the pressures families face in challenging times.

As the community mourns, many are left grappling with how such an unspeakable act could happen in a family that seemed so full of love and promise. While the answers may never come, their story serves as a sobering call to action: to support struggling families, to watch for signs of hidden pain, and to ensure that no one feels trapped in silence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org for resources and support.