Man who killed wife and self had history of suicide threats, but still had a gun

CARLSTADT — Authorities were aware the man who shot his wife on their lawn hours before turning his gun on himself suffered from severe depression, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.

But even after police visited the home of Scott and Michele Sabia multiple times for Scott Sabia's suicide threats or attempts, and even after Bergen County emergency psychiatric screeners had him involuntarily admitted to Bergen Regional Medical Center last year, he apparently continued to have access to a weapon, according to the report.

Scott Sabia shot his wife at their Union Street home as their three children watched last Wednesday, according to acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal. He shot himself after an hours-long standoff with police. He was found with a shotgun, authorities said.

As the NorthJersey.com story notes, "he police reports raise questions about how Sabia was able to possess a gun, given his documented history of depression and suicide threats."

Authorities have not said when the gun was purchased, whether it was legally owned or whether it was in Scott Sabia's name.

Scott Sabia had posted on his Facebook page about his issues with depression, and advocated there for mental health awareness.

Police records obtained by NorthJersey.com that despite the repeated police calls to the home, none were for domestic violence incidents.

According to the NorthJersey.com report, Scott Saba threatened to take his own life three times in January 2015 and overdosed on his medication in 2012.

Michele Sabia, a teacher at the Washington School in neighboring Rutherford, was laid to rest on Monday.

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