BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (TNND) — A domestic dispute in New Jersey turned deadly when a man chased the mother of his three children down a street before killing her, as well as murdering her parents, according to prosecutors.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday identified the suspected shooter as 37-year-old Vaughn Stewart, who was found dead from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The prosecutor’s office said officers with the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a home around 5 a.m. for reported gunshots. Officers who arrived at the scene saw a man walking into the house before they heard additional shots.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team went inside, where officers found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds. They were identified as Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60, who were the homeowners, per prosecutors.
Three children were discovered unharmed inside the home.
As officers secured the scene, they found multiple shell casings, as well as a woman, later identified as 38-year-old Deonna Stewart, about 50 yards from the home. Authorities said she had been shot to death.
Inside the home, officers also found the suspect suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was later pronounced dead.
Prosecutors said investigators determined that Vaughn Stewart entered the home and shot Allan and Michelle Russell. He then chased Deonna Stewart — the mother of his three children — down the street and fatally shot her before returning to the house and taking his own life.
Asbury Park Press and NBC New York reported that Vaughn and Deonna were married. Authorities said Vaughn and Deonna Stewart had been living separately, adding that Deonna was living with her parents and the children.
The children are currently in the care of the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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