The state Medical Examiner’s Office is releasing no information on the cause of death of Antonio and Alice Balcer of Winthrop, who police say were killed this week by their teenage son.

In an email from the Attorney General’s Office, special assistant Timothy Feeley said his office is barred from releasing documents because a court has not determined whether Andrew Balcer, 17, will be charged as an adult or as a juvenile. The Attorney General’s Office wants Andrew Balcer, who turns 18 next month, to be tried as an adult.

Feeley also said case records have been impounded and that premature release of such details can affect the investigation.

The Balcers, both 47, were found dead in their home about 1:45 a.m. Monday. Police arrested Andrew Balcer, a senior at Winthrop High School, and he has been charged with two counts of knowing or intentional murder. He is being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.

More than a dozen animals removed from the Balcer property are being cared for by the Winthrop Veterinary Hospital, one of the co-owners confirmed Thursday.

Veterinarian Mary Sheridan said in an email that the clinic is caring for the family’s 12 cats, two snakes, two guinea pigs and a dog. She said the pets probably will be placed with friends and family eventually. Alice Balcer, known as Ali, worked at the clinic.

“We are all heartbroken over the loss of our friend,” Sheridan wrote. “Caring for Ali’s pets is the least we can do.”

Sheridan said the hospital is accepting donations to help pay for expenses associated with the pets, some of whom are on medication, require special food or have special needs.

Andrew Balcer’s next scheduled court appearance is later this month.


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