Murder Charges For Son Who Stabbed Parents In Barnegat: Prosecutor

BARNEGAT, NJ — A Barnegat man was charged with two counts of murder in connection with the stabbing death of his parents, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Michael Mulgrew, 34, stabbed his parents, Eugene (71) and Cheryl (69) to death Thursday in their home before leaving the residence on foot, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The search for Michael Mulgrew Thursday afternoon resulted in Barnegat, Stafford and Waretown schools sheltering-in-place as a precautionary measure.

Police arrived at the Lincoln Avenue home around 11 a.m. Nov. 2 to assist medical personnel with performing a mobile outreach, Billhimer said.

As officers approached the house, they saw a man walking away, Billhimer said.

They also noticed what appeared to be blood stains on the front door, and found blood in various areas throughout the home, he said.

In the bedroom, police found two dead bodies - later identified as Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew - with apparent stab wounds to their upper torsos, Billhimer said. A knife was also found in the bedroom's vicinity.

The man initially seen walking away, later identified as Michael Mulgrew, was found in the area of West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road by Barnegat police. He was taken into custody without incident, Billhimer said. Investigation revealed he was responsible for the deaths of his parents, Billhimer said.

Michael Mulgrew was charged with two counts of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

He is currently lodged in Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.