Overview
- Authorities named Vaughn Stewart, 37, as the suspected shooter, who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot after being taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River.
- Officials identified the victims as Deonna Stewart, 38, found about 50 yards from the house, and her parents, Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60, found inside.
- Berkeley Township police responded around 5 a.m. to reports of gunfire, saw a man reenter the residence, and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team then entered to secure the scene.
- Prosecutors say Stewart shot the Russells inside, chased Deonna down the street and killed her, then returned to the house and took his own life.
- Authorities report the couple had been married but living separately, with Deonna and the children at her parents’ home, and the investigation into motive remains active.