Memorial Marks Death of Berkeley Family

Flowers, posters, candles and cards lined the sidewalk of Northside Avenue as neighbors gathered for a memorial Friday to remember the Berkeley family that died in what police are saying was likely a murder-suicide.

About 30 people stood in front of the family’s house to mourn the deaths of Kevin Morrissey, 51, Mamiko Kawai, 40 and their two children Nikki and Kim “Lena” Morrissey, 8 and 6, who were found dead in a parking lot in Tilden Regional Park last Monday after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head.

Many who knew the family said they are confused over the tragedy, which many said was entirely unexpected.

“They were just wonderful people, the kind of people you get to know,” said Lisa Berend, who was one of Kawai’s patients.

A .357 magnum revolver registered to Morrissey was found next to his body in the parking lot at Tilden Park and what police have called a suicide note was discovered in his pocket.

In the note, Morrissey accepted full responsibility for “today’s actions,” according to a statement issued by park police last week.

Morrissey said his family was “a typical family with a normal set of relationships within our community and family,” and wrote that “today’s deaths will likely be a surprise to anyone that knows us.”

Police said Morrissey purchased the gun on April 19 from the Old West Gun Room in El Cerrito, just blocks from the couple’s Albany skin care practice. He took possession of the gun on May 1, after the state-mandated waiting period, according to the police statement.

Morrissey’s note also stated that the family’s medical practice was failing financially and that other employment opportunities were “unattractive.”

Autopsies for the family are nearly complete, although authorities are still waiting on a toxicology report for Morrissey. Such reports typically take 12 weeks, said Tim Biggs, a deputy with the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office.

Some who knew the family said that, while they did not foresee the tragedy, there were signs hinting that something was amiss just before the family was killed.

Don Martin, who was the head coach for his daughter Maritza Martin and Nikki’s soccer team, said Morrissey, the assistant coach, seemed happy but occasionally displayed “manic” tendencies.

“They’ve always been outgoing, social,” Martin said. “Kevin was always energetic, to the point of being manic sometimes.”

Martin remembered a party for Nikki’s birthday that his daughter attended the Sunday before the tragedy. He said Morrissey seemed more “manic” than usual by insisting that everyone present at the party participate in every activity provided.

Martin added that the family always seemed to have a positive attitude.

“We never saw them angry (or) snap at each other,” he said.

Many said they will miss the family.

“I will miss (Kawai),” said Carol Renee, a patient of Kawai’s for the past 10 years. “It’s very sad to think of people in such turmoil.”

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