A man in New Jersey shot and killed his Jamaican wife and her parents and then himself, making their three children orphans. Investigators are treating the March 10 shooting as a case of murder-suicide.
The deadly incident unfolded early Tuesday morning in Berkeley Township at a home on Fairwood Drive. At the time of the incident, 38-year-old Deonna Stewart was home with her children, her 61-year-old father Allan Russell and her 60-year-old mother Michelle Russell. Reports say Deonna’s 37-year-old husband, Vaughn Stewart, was living separately, but he came to the house that day and killed all the adults.
Police received a 911 call regarding gunfire at the premises. According to investigators, officers arrived around 5 a.m. and saw a man entering the house, and soon afterwards heard more gunshots coming from inside the home. Members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team were later called in to secure the home before officers entered.
Police first discovered two bodies: Allan and Michelle Russell. The couple had visible gunshot wounds and were confirmed dead on the spot. Afterwards, Vaughn’s body was seen with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He showed signs of life and was taken to the Community Medical Center in Toms River. However, he succumbed to his injuries.
The body of Deonna was found outside along Fairwood Drive, about 50 yards away. Police also said that while searching, they found the three children that Deonna and Vaughn shared. They were unharmed and have since been placed under the care of the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency.
Police theorised that Vaughn first killed his wife’s parents inside the home before turning the gun on her. However, Deonna attempted to escape by fleeing the house, but he chased her outside and fired several shots, striking her. After killing her, he returned to the house and committed suicide. An investigation has been launched into the shooting.