4 people killed in murder-suicide in Berkeley Township, New Jersey
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in Berkeley Township, New Jersey say they are investigating a triple murder that happened early Tuesday morning.
It happened at a home on Fairwood Avenue around 5 a.m.
Authorities say officers responded to the home for a report of shots fired. Responding officers saw a man enter the home, and heard additional gunshots from inside.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team then entered the home. They found two victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds. They were identified as the homeowners, Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60.
As officers continued to clear the home, they found a man with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. He was identified as 37-year-old Vaughn Stewart. He was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
A third victim was also located about 50 yards from the home and identified as 38-year-old Deonna Stewart.
Additionally, three unharmed children were found inside the home, according to authorities.
Following an investigation, authorities determined that Deonna Stewart was living with her parents, Allan and Michelle Russell, and her three children. They say Vaughn and Deonna Stewart were the parents of the three children, and had been living separately.
They say Vaughn Stewart entered the home and shot the Russells, and then chased down Deonna Stewart down the street, and fired multiple shots which killed her. He then re-entered the home, where officials say he turned the gun on himself.
The gunfire, which broke out before dawn, woke up several nearby neighbors.
"We heard multiple gunshots. I thought it was fireworks, turning out to what it is, is very unfortunate," one neighbor said.
A neighbor named Ashley said she heard about six gunshots around 4:45 a.m.
Ashley's doorbell camera recorded the sound of the gunfire.
Law enforcement sources told Eyewitness News that the couple's children are in police protection.
Officials say there is no danger to the public.
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