Weeks after a tragic murder‑suicide on Wheelock Street, family members are sharing details about the loss of Alisha Cruz, a beloved mother, sister and Catholic woman from Manchester.
Victim remembered for her kindness and faith
Alisha Cruz, 35, was a Pinkerton Academy graduate, a cancer survivor and a nursing assistant who cared for her ailing father. Her mother, Lisa Hathaway, described her as “easy‑going, loving, open‑hearted, forgiving, too forgiving sometimes.” Alisha even had a Mother Theresa tattoo, reflecting her deep Catholic faith.
Details of the shooting
On Oct. 27, investigators said Alisha’s husband, Benny Cruz, 36, shot her multiple times before turning the gun on himself inside their home. A bullet pierced a wall and struck Hathaway’s 8‑year‑old grandson, who was sleeping in the same room. The child was air‑lifted to Boston and spent five and a half days in the ICU. His mother says he is expected to make a full recovery.
Family faces hardship
Hathaway disclosed that the family was already under financial strain and had been planning a legal separation. She said Benny had become verbally abusive, repeatedly telling her, “She’s not gonna take my son.” The family had no knowledge of a firearm in the house or of Benny’s suicidal thoughts.
Unapproved fundraising and community response
Relatives also reported an unauthorized GoFundMe page using Alisha’s name, created by someone claiming to be a relative but refusing to remove it. The family is urging the public to avoid the fraudulent campaign.
Community mourning
Neighbors and friends remember Alisha for her caring nature and strong faith. “My sister would have still been here if it weren’t for somebody to speak up and say something,” said her sister, Amanda Hathaway, highlighting the tragedy of missed warning signs.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
