Family found dead in sprawling mansion outside Boston in 'deadly incident of domestic violence'

A couple and their teen daughter were found dead in a possible murder-suicide in a rich enclave outside Boston – one of the wealthiest in Massachusetts – leading prosecutors to warn that domestic violence knows no economic or class boundaries. 

Rakesh Kamal, 57; his wife, Teena; and their daughter, Arianna, 18, were found Thursday evening at a sprawling 19,000-square-foot mansion in Dover, about 20 miles southwest of Boston, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said during a news conference on Friday.

Morrissey said police received a 911 call at about 7:24 p.m. from a family member who had stopped by to check on the family. When officers arrived, they found all three Kamals had died.

A preliminary investigation points to a "deadly incident of domestic violence" with no outside involvement, Morrissey said. He stopped short of declaring it a murder-suicide, citing the ongoing investigation.

"All I can tell you is there was a gun on the premises, and it was apparent to all those that went in that all three members of the family were dead," he said. Morrissey said the handgun was found near Rakesh Kamal.

DA says extended family member conducted wellness check

The family member who lived in the area had not heard from them in "a while," Morrissey said. The DA told the MetroWest Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network, that there had been no known prior incidents involving police at the estate.

Dover, a community of about 6,000 with a per capita income of more than $133,000, according to U.S. Census data, last had a homicide in 2020, when the body of Kathleen McLean was found in a small pond off Valley Road. Her husband, once celebrated surgeon Ingolf Tuerk, is charged in that case.

"This is an event to remember the domestic violence crisis crosses all economic and social classes," Morrissey said. "For anyone, especially around the holidays, if you feel unsafe in a relationship, I want to remind people that there is help out there, safety planning is available and can talk through your specific situation. This is very unfortunate and our heart goes out to the entire Kamal family."

Milton Academy, American Red Cross mourn victims

Arianna Kamal had just started attending Vermont's Middlebury College in the fall and was a graduate of Milton Academy, a coeducational boarding and day school. The school shared a written statement on Friday in reaction to her death.

"Our thoughts are with all members of the Kamal family, their friends and our entire school community," the school said. "Aria was a sweet, smart, kind young woman who was just beginning to realize her full potential. Her mother, Teena, who served as president of our Upper School Parents’ Association, was a committed and caring advocate for both parents and students at Milton. This is a devastating loss to our community."

Teena Kamal also served on the regional board of directors for the Massachusetts chapter of the American Red Cross.

"The American Red Cross is deeply saddened by the tragedy in Dover," the organization said in a statement. "Teena Kamal served on our regional board of directors and served as vice chair of our Massachusetts Tiffany Circle. Our hearts go out to their loved ones during this devastating time."

DA believes there is no danger to the community at large

Morrissey said the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner continues to investigate the exact cause of the deaths. Autopsy reports were expected to be released later Friday. Dover police and Massachusetts State Police officers from the DA’s office, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and other specialized units processed the crime scene through much of the night.

The district attorney said there is no anticipated danger to the Dover community, noting there were no signs of forced entry on the property.

8 Wilson's Way is a 19,355-square-foot, 27-room mansion built in 2000, according to state property records. It was last sold in 2022 for $3 million and was most recently assessed at more than $5.9 million.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to call 24/7 at 800-799-7233 or by texting "START" to 88788. Online chat services are also available.