BERKELEY TOWNSHIP NEW JERSEY, A tragic incident in Berkeley Township left four people dead after authorities say a man fatally shot his estranged wife and her parents before taking his own life.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, police responded to reports of gunfire at a home early Tuesday morning, March 10, around 5 a.m. When officers arrived at the residence, they reported hearing additional gunshots and observed a man entering the home.
The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team later entered the house and discovered the bodies of the homeowners, identified as 61-year-old Allan Russell and his wife, 60-year-old Michelle Russell. Both had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
Officers also located three children inside the home who were unharmed.
After clearing the residence, authorities found a man identified as 37-year-old Vaughn Stewart of Maplewood 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.
During the investigation, officers discovered the body of a third victim, 38-year-old Deonna Stewart, approximately 50 yards from the home along Fairwood Drive.
Authorities said Deonna Stewart was the estranged wife of Vaughn Stewart and had been living at the home with her parents and her three children. Investigators believe she was attempting to flee when she was shot.
Officials said the couple had been living separately prior to the incident.
Neighbors described Allan and Michelle Russell as active members of their community and said they had recently welcomed their daughter back into their home following difficulties in her marriage.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
