In the serene suburb of Milton, Massachusetts—just south of Boston—a community known for its historic charm and quiet neighborhoods was forever scarred on March 28, 2009. What started as a typical Saturday afternoon devolved into a scene of sheer terror when 23-year-old Kerby Revelus unleashed a violent rampage on his younger sisters. This heartbreaking incident, involving stabbing, decapitation, and a frantic 911 call, left two young girls dead and one survivor bearing lifelong trauma. Drawing from police reports, eyewitness accounts, and media investigations, this article revisits the events of that fateful day, explores the family’s background, and reflects on the lasting impact of such senseless violence.
The Calm Before the Storm
The Revelus family, of Haitian-American descent, lived in a modest two-family home at 7 Belvoir Road. Vonze and Regina Revelus, the parents, were out running errands that afternoon, leaving their children—Kerby (23), Samantha (17), Sarafina (9), and Bianca (5)—at home with their 80-year-old grandmother in the basement apartment. The day prior, the family had celebrated Bianca’s fifth birthday, with a cake still sitting untouched on the kitchen table as a remnant of joy.
Kerby, the eldest sibling, had a troubled past. In 2004, at age 18, he was convicted of assault and battery after punching one of his sisters during a dispute over money. He served six months in jail and was released in September 2008, just six months before the tragedy. Neighbors described him as generally quiet but noted he seemed agitated in the hours leading up to the incident, possibly stemming from a recent altercation with neighbors.
Around 5 p.m., the situation escalated dramatically inside the apartment. Without a clear motive ever fully explained—though speculation pointed to underlying mental health issues or family tensions—Kerby grabbed a large butcher knife from the kitchen and began his attack.
The Desperate 911 Call and Police Response
Seventeen-year-old Samantha Revelus, a senior at Milton High School known for her confidence, long hair, and passion for poetry, bore the initial brunt of the violence. Kerby stabbed her multiple times, leaving her gravely wounded on the floor. Despite her injuries, Samantha managed to dial 911, her voice faint but urgent as she reported the assault: “My brother is stabbing us… he has a butcher knife… he’s killing my little sisters.”
By this point, Kerby had also attacked nine-year-old Sarafina, inflicting stab wounds to her abdomen, leg, and hands—defensive injuries suggesting she fought back fiercely. Sarafina, too, would later confirm the horrors in her own words to authorities.
Milton police officers arrived within minutes. Knocking yielded no response, so one officer kicked in the door. As it burst open, the scene inside was beyond comprehension: Kerby stood holding five-year-old Bianca by the neck. In full view of the officer, he slashed the knife across her throat with such force that he decapitated her. Bianca’s body fell to the ground, her head separating in a moment of pure atrocity.
Reacting instinctively, the officers opened fire, fatally shooting Kerby as he turned toward Sarafina with the knife, seemingly intent on continuing the rampage. The apartment was described by Police Chief Richard G. Wells Jr. as a “killing field,” with blood and chaos everywhere.
All the while, the grandmother remained in the basement, folding laundry and oblivious to the nightmare unfolding upstairs until authorities informed her.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short and One Survivor’s Resilience
Samantha Revelus succumbed to her injuries shortly after the attack. An aspiring poet, she had rehearsed an original piece about a strong woman defying “ignorant souls” just hours before her death. Her teachers and classmates remembered her as poised and kind-hearted.
Bianca, the youngest, had turned five the day before. Her decapitation in front of the officer added a layer of profound trauma to the responders, who later received counseling.
Sarafina Revelus, the sole survivor among the siblings attacked, was rushed to Boston Medical Center. She underwent surgery for her wounds and was released a few days later. Incredibly, it was Sarafina who also contributed to the 911 call, providing critical details that helped guide the police response.
Investigation and Family’s Grief
No formal motive was established, but Kerby’s recent release from jail and reported agitation were noted. Autopsies confirmed the causes of death, and the case was ruled a double homicide-suicide by police intervention. The family, devastated, chose to bury Samantha, Bianca, and Kerby together in a single service, a decision rooted in Haitian cultural traditions and a desire for collective mourning despite the circumstances.
The parents, Vonze and Regina, received support from the Haitian community both locally and abroad, including financial aid for funerals and medical bills. Milton schools opened for counseling sessions, and students held memorials, including poetry readings in Samantha’s honor.
Broader Implications: Mental Health and Family Violence
This tragedy spotlighted the often-hidden dangers of intra-family violence and untreated mental health issues. Kerby’s prior conviction hinted at escalating aggression, yet no interventions were documented. Experts later discussed the case as an example of how domestic disputes can spiral into catastrophe, urging better access to mental health resources and early warning systems.
In Milton, a town also home to Governor Deval Patrick at the time, the incident prompted community discussions on safety and support for immigrant families. Nearly 17 years on, as of 2026, Sarafina—now an adult—has largely stayed out of the public eye, a testament to her resilience amid profound loss.
A Call to Remember and Prevent
The Revelus family tragedy serves as a grim reminder that violence can erupt in the most unexpected places, even within the supposed safety of home. It underscores the importance of recognizing signs of distress, supporting mental health initiatives, and fostering open family dialogues. For those in crisis, resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline exist to provide immediate help.
As we reflect on this dark chapter, let it inspire vigilance and compassion. No family should endure such pain, and no child should face such terror. The memories of Samantha and Bianca deserve to fuel change, ensuring their story is not forgotten but used to protect others. 💔