Sandra Marisol Fuentes, 39, Tragically Killed in Domestic Violence Shooting Outside La Casita in Berlin, NH
It is with shattered hearts and unimaginable grief that we announce the tragic and untimely passing of Sandra Marisol Fuentes, of Berlin, New Hampshire, who lost her life on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 39 in a senseless act of domestic violence. Her death has left a community in mourning and a family struggling to comprehend a loss that came far too soon and far too cruelly.
Marisol’s life was not defined by tragedy, however. It was defined by grace, resilience, and a deep love for her family, her work, and the people around her. She was a beloved daughter, a cherished friend, a devoted coworker, and a quiet pillar of the Berlin community. Known for her kindness and humility, Marisol lived her life in service to others—especially at La Casita, the family-run restaurant on Hillside Avenue that became a cultural and emotional center for many in the neighborhood.
At La Casita, Marisol’s spirit filled the room like the aroma of simmering spices. She was the one who remembered your order, who asked about your children, who offered warmth even on the coldest New Hampshire days. More than just a restaurant manager, Marisol made La Casita feel like home. The love she poured into that space touched hundreds of lives—regulars, visitors, and newcomers alike. She made people feel welcome, seen, and appreciated.
Those who knew her describe her as someone who gave without asking, who smiled through pain, and who always put others before herself. She was known for her soft-spoken demeanor, for her strength beneath the surface, and for a heart that beat for her children, her family, and her community.
Tragically, that heart was silenced by the very violence she never should have faced. Marisol died outside the very restaurant she helped build, at the hands of an estranged husband from whom she was seeking peace and distance. Her death is not just a personal loss—it is a communal heartbreak and a sobering reminder of the urgent crisis of domestic violence in our society.
In the wake of her passing, the community has come together in mourning and in love. Candles now burn outside La Casita. Flowers line the sidewalk where laughter once spilled from inside. Messages of grief, outrage, and remembrance flood social media.
Chrissy Grant, a member of the local community, wrote:
“The devastating aftermath of domestic violence leaves behind more than grief—it leaves behind shattered lives, stolen futures, and an aching community trying to make sense of the unimaginable… Even without knowing her, I feel the weight of this loss deeply.”
Brooke Bardeen, one of Marisol’s closest friends, shared:
“I am in complete and utter shock, disgust, and grief… For the people that knew her, loved her—please pray for the soul of Sandra Marisol Fuentes. Let her rest with dignity, truth, and peace.”
Marisol leaves behind her beloved family, whose names we hold close in our hearts. She also leaves behind a city that will forever remember her warmth, her strength, and the quiet dignity with which she carried her burdens. Her absence will be felt every day—at La Casita, in community events, in the lives of her children, and in the moments when we remember her laughter and light.
But her story does not end here.
We carry forward Marisol’s legacy not just by remembering her, but by taking action. By speaking out. By supporting survivors. By refusing to let silence hide violence. Marisol deserved safety. She deserved peace. She deserved the chance to live a long, full life surrounded by love.
As we mourn, we also commit to honoring her life through change—through advocacy, through awareness, and through a deeper promise to protect those still at risk. Let her memory ignite in us the courage to speak, the will to act, and the compassion to listen.