Man accused of killing Lynn teacher had a history of domestic abuse, court docs say

LYNN, Mass. — It’s been nearly a week since a Lynn elementary school teacher was murdered in what investigators called a case of domestic violence.

Vanessa MacCormack was found dead in her Revere home Saturday. The 30-year-old had been married with Andrew MacCormack for about two years, and the couple had purchased a home together in Revere. The couple also had a 13 month old daughter.

Many people are left asking themselves how could this have happened to her and were there warning signs they potentially missed.

>>PREVIOUS: Woman found dead inside Revere home, investigators rule death suspicious

While there is nothing anyone can say or do that could bring Vanessa back, there is hope tonight that her tragic death can save someone else’s life.

Domestic violence expert Toni Troop says in many cases the pattern of abuse isn’t always as obvious as one might expect and it isn’t necessarily physical.

“One of the things that victims of domestic violence do is to try to accommodate their perpetrator by making dealers if this happens that won't happen,” Troop, the director of communications for Jane Doe Inc., said.

Court documents show Vanessa had been threatening her husband with divorce and confronting him through text messages about thousands of dollars that she said disappeared.

>>PREVIOUS: 'I hate you so much': DA paints picture of failing marriage in murder arraignment

“She is trying to establish her autonomy and independence and walk away from a relationship,” Troop said. “It’s in that first period of time, during that period and during first three months after separation that a person is most at risk of homicide.”

Troop told Boston 25 News reporter Drew Karedes it’s unusual for someone who commits domestic homicide to not have a history of abuse in previous relationships.

>>PREVIOUS: Husband charged with murder in death of Lynn teacher

Andrew MacCormack had been arrested in 2011 when he was 22 for assault and battery on his ex-girlfriend.

The woman claimed Andrew woke her up in her sleep and dragged her down two flights of stairs after she said she’d rather be with someone else.

“Thank God she got away from him,” the woman’s mother said. “It’s heartbreaking it’s almost surreal.”

The charges against MacCormack in that case were later dismissed.

Vanessa's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a fund set up for the benefit of her daughter. Checks payable to: Child of Vanessa Grace MacCormack can be sent to Eastern Bank, 6 Traders Way, Salem, MA 01970. An online donation page has also been established: https://www.youcaring.com/collegefund-964322

You can If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence there are resources available. Click here for information including an abuse hotline, shelters and groups that offer help in your area.

Cox Media Group