Maplewood Man Kills Estranged Wife and Her Parents Before Committing Suicide in Berkeley Township: Triple Homicide
Triple Homicide in Berkeley Township shocks community. Maplewood man kills estranged wife, her parents, then takes own life. Read full story and updat
Authorities claim a devastating shooting early Tuesday morning in the Bayville area of Berkeley Township claimed three lives after a Maplewood man reportedly murdered his estranged wife and her parents before turning the weapon on himself.
Officers reacted about 5 a.m., March 10, following gunfire claims at a Fairwood Drive home, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Upon arrival, the police saw a man return into the house then heard more gunshots not long afterward. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team was alerted because of the possible threat.
Inside the house with obvious gunshot wounds were the homeowners Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60, who SWAT officers found when they raided the property. Both were declared dead at the site.
Around 50 yards from the house along Fairwood Drive, detectives found a third victim, 38-year-old Deonna Stewart. Stewart also perished from gunshot wounds; she lived at the house with her three children and her parents.
Authorities identified the suspected gunman as Vaughn Stewart, 37, of Maplewood, Deonna Stewart’s estranged husband. According to investigators, he supposedly entered the house, shot Allan and Michelle Russell, then pursued Deonna Stewart outside onto the street, where she was killed. Authorities theorize he next came back to the house and shot himself.
Inside the house, Vaughn Stewart was found hurt by what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Toms River Community Medical Center was where he was rushed and where he was subsequently declared dead.
Authorities verified that three young children present at the incident were not injured. The couple's children have since been assigned to the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency's care.
Authorities indicated the pair shared custody of their children though they were staying alone at the time.
Investigating the terrible event is still the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Berkeley Township Police Department. Officials have not disclosed more about a possible motivation.
Residents grieve the death of three lives and shocks the local population as the terrible incident leaves three others dead.
