Carolyn, Brennan, Brian Hetherwick
Murder-Suicide: Grandfather Kills Grandson, Then Himself
by Kevin Caruso
August 15, 2004
"Your husband shot Brennan and then shot himself," were the horrible words that
Carolyn Hetherwick of Monroe, Washington, heard on August 5, 2004.
A Monroe Police officer gave the terrible news to her.
"I don't believe it, I don't believe.Not my baby, not my baby," screamed Carolyn.
Bryan and Carolyn Brennan were much more than grandparents to 5-year-old Brennan: they raised him; they were his custodians; and they considered him their child.
But Bryan had been suffering from severe depression. He had several health problems, was unable to find work, and had difficulty dealing with Brennan's bipolar disorder and Carolyn's Multiple Sclerosis.
He was overwhelmed, and his depression kept getting worse.
On August 5th, he bought a handgun from a gun collector.
Two hours later, he stood in front of the Monroe Police Department, produced the handgun, shot Brennan in the head, and then shot himself in the head.
Bryan Hetherwick was suffering from severe depression, and untreated depression is the
number one cause for suicide.
Untreated depression can also lead to murder-suicide.
If you or someone you know may have depression, please get help immediately.
Depression is highly treatable.
Please click below for additional information:
Depression and Suicide
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
