YWCA 'Devastated' by Visitation Center Murder-Suicide

YWCA New Hampshire is trying to pick up the pieces after the tragic shooting at their Manchester visitation center on Sunday.

Investigation continues after Muni Savyon, 54, of Manchester shot his son Joshua Savyon, 9, of Amherst before turning the gun on himself during a visitation session. They were both found dead at the scene.

The Sunday morning shooting happened in front of a staff member, but nobody else was harmed.

Monica Zulauf, the president of the YWCA NH, condemned the violent actions taken by Muni Savyon in a press conference Monday afternoon. She said that her focus is to ensure the wellbeing of staff and family affected by the attack.

She had not yet taken a look at the family’s file to provide further information on their history.

Zulauf said that domestic violence is a huge issue in our communities, and something that centers like hers deal with on a daily basis. Precautions are taken, including security measures and separate entrances for parents, but it cannot always prevent a tragedy.

“If someone is committed, they are going to do it,” she said.

Meeting at a visitation center is still a much safer option than meeting in a parking lot or other location, she added.

Death threats are a very real part of their services and are taken very seriously. News outlets have reported that the father had a “contentious marriage” and was only allowed partial vistation for his son. He had sent out a series of threatening letters and emails prior to the shooting.

Learn more about Savyon's past at WMUR News 9

Zulauf said these messages did not reach YWCA. Some families need police detail in order to come to the visitation center, but others may not be allowed in due to dangerous situations.

Her staff had been able to get a family out safely and Zulauf said that, while this was a heroic act, anybody who does this kind of work is a hero.

The center will be closed the rest of today and tomorrow. Zulauf said they will make a decision on when to reopen their facility.

Nearby crisis centers are assisting during this time, according to Zulauf. YWCA provides services to almost 3,000 victims each year.

The SAU 39 School District also released a statement today expressing their grief over the loss of the young student.