SALEM — Police have released the identities of the people involved in a murder-suicide in Salem on Tuesday afternoon.

Autopsies completed Wednesday determined that Jeffrey Kaznecki, 50, his wife, Barbara Kaznecki, 51, and his mother, Shirley Leary, 85, were killed by gunshot wounds to the head at their home at 33 Wheeler Ave., according to the Attorney General's Office.

Barbara Kaznecki and Leary's deaths were classified as homicide. Jeffrey Kaznecki's death was listed as a suicide.

The investigation is ongoing, the Attorney General's Office said. No motive was given.

On her Facebook page, Barbara describes herself as married to Jeff for 30 years. The couple has a daughter, Samantha, it says.

The last posting on Barbara (Whitman) Kaznecki's page says “has discovered that sometimes it's best to leave some people in the past.”

Neighbors knew little about the family or what may have motivated the crime. Family members kept to themselves, but seemed friendly and exchanged casual greetings, neighbors said.

Earl Smith of Old Coach Road is new to the neighborhood. He didn't know the Kazneckis, but said his thoughts went out to their extended family.

“I really feel sorry for that family right now, having to go through all that,” Smith said. “I wish them all the best.”

Police were called to the home around noon Tuesday after a passerby noticed a man down in the driveway. Officers discovered the two women in the house and Jeffrey Kaznecki on the front lawn when they arrived. One of the women was pronounced dead at the scene. The second was pronounced dead after being taken to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass. The family dog had also been shot, police said.

The crime remains under investigation by the Attorney General's Office and state and local police.
Jhanson@newstote.com