More than a dozen animals removed from the property of Antonio and Alice Balcer, who were killed Monday in their Winthrop home, are being cared for by the Winthrop Veterinary Hospital, one of the co-owners confirmed Thursday.
In a message to the Kennebec Journal, veterinarian Mary Sheridan said the clinic is caring for the family’s 12 cats, two snakes, two guinea pigs and a dog. She said the hospital is boarding the pets and they 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. It’s what Ali would’ve wanted. Having them close, for the mean time, helps us hold on to a little bit of Ali.”
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.
Antonio and Alice Balcer, both 47, were found dead in their home Monday following a 1:45 a.m. call to 911. Their son Andrew Balcer, 17, has been charged with two counts of intentional or knowing murder in connection with their deaths. A judge earlier this week ordered court investigative documents be kept from public view and that Andrew Balcer undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The Balcers lived at 10 Pine Knoll Road — a white, ranch-style home off U.S. Route 202.
Dustin Nadeau, an Exiles Motorcycle Club member, said earlier this week that Antonio Balcer was a member of the club, which has a clubhouse in Pittston. He said both Antonio and Ali were great people, saying Antonio was “a great father, the kind of guy you could always turn to,” while Ali “was a huge-hearted person … one of the best people you could know.”
Antonio Balcer’s club name was “Rev,” a reference to him being “all about God and his club and his family.”
Before going to work for the Winthrop Veterinary Hospital, Alice Balcer worked at Kennebec Valley Humane Society, said Hillary Roberts, executive director of the Augusta animal shelter. She worked there from 2008 to 2013.
“Her passion for animals was unmatched; she worked tirelessly for them,” Roberts said. “She had a soft spot for orange tabby cats and spent hours socializing frightened and timid dogs. Animals in our community were better because of her commitment. We are all so deeply sad at (Kennebec Valley Humane Society).”
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