Olive Openshaw Shooting Accident, Belchertown, MA Obituary, 27-year-old had died

Authorities Identify Woman in Central Massachusetts Hotel Shooting Incident

Authorities have identified the woman involved in a tragic and violent incident at a hotel in Central Massachusetts, where a guest was injured and the suspect later died at the scene.

The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Olive Openshaw, a 27-year-old resident of Belchertown, drove an SUV into the side of the Sturbridge Plaza Hotel in Sturbridge on June 18. According to investigators, the crash marked the beginning of a disturbing sequence of events that unfolded at the scene.

After driving into the building, Openshaw exited her vehicle and began firing a weapon toward the hotel. A guest inside the lobby was struck in the torso during the shooting. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene as the situation escalated and multiple emergency calls were made reporting an active threat inside the hotel.

Law enforcement officers arrived and attempted to take control of the situation, issuing repeated verbal commands. Despite their efforts, Openshaw ultimately shot herself and died at the scene. Officials confirmed that she was eight months pregnant at the time of the incident.

The injured hotel guest was transported first to Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, Massachusetts, before being airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for further treatment. Authorities have not released additional updates on the guest’s current condition.

Investigators stated that Openshaw appeared to be searching for a specific individual at the hotel prior to the shooting. However, the guest who was struck was not the intended target. Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the identity of the person she was reportedly seeking.

The incident has left the Sturbridge community shaken, as residents and witnesses grapple with the sudden violence that unfolded in a normally quiet area. Law enforcement agencies continue to review the events leading up to the crash and shooting, including Openshaw’s movements before arriving at the hotel.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as they work to better understand the circumstances and motivations behind the attack. Officials are also reviewing evidence collected from the scene, including surveillance footage and witness statements.

Community members have expressed concern and sympathy for those impacted, particularly the injured hotel guest and those present during the incident. The event has raised broader discussions about public safety and emergency response coordination in similar high-risk situations.

As investigators continue their work, officials have urged anyone with additional information to come forward. The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office has stated that further updates will be provided as the case develops.