How Springfield is dealing with local murder-suicide: 3 things to know

Shock spread through the Springfield community as people learned a well known businessman had allegedly killed his wife and step-daughter before killing himself.

Eric Sirons, 56, is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Sirons and his step-daughter Andrea Heiser, 21, at their Quinlan Court home Tuesday night.

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The deaths have had an impact on the community.

“They were known in the community and from what I saw on the street last night loved and liked by their neighbors,” Springfield Police Chief Lee Graf said.

Here are three things the community is doing.

1) Northeastern schools providing counseling

Heiser graduated from the Northeastern Local Schools and the school confirmed she has sisters in the school district.

Superintendent John Kronour said the district is providing counseling for any student who might need the help.

“It’s a tragedy and I don’t know if you are ever prepared for these kinds of things,” Kronour said.

Wright State, where Heiser was a student majoring in statistics, is also providing counseling to students and staff the might need it.

MORE: Springfield murder-suicide: Friends, colleagues remember victims

2) Clark County Juvenile Court closed early Wednesday

Clark County Judge Robert Vaughn said the Clark County Juvenile Court closed at 12 p.m. Wednesday for the sake of staff. Jennifer Sirons was chief financial officer for the court.

“We are open today and trying to function as normally as possible, although as you can imagine it is difficult,” Vaughn said. “We have several staff members who were particularly close to Jen who have opted to take personal time off today. We are doing the best we can at this point; the court is open.”

3) Chamber of Greater Springfield closed Thursday

The Chamber of Greater Springfield is closed Thursday due to the death of Eric Sirons.

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Sirons worked for the chamber as its membership director and previously worked in sales for the Springfield News-Sun.

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