NJ Family Had Restraining Order Against Man Before Triple Murder-Suicide, Report Says

BERKELEY, NJ — The family slain by an estranged family member had a restraining order against him at one point after experiencing his abuse for years, according to a report.

Vaughn Stewart, who shot and killed Allan Russell, Michelle Russell and Deonna Stewart before turning the gun on himself, had a history of threatening his estranged wife and her parents, Patch previously reported. Read more: NJ Man Threatened To Kill Wife, Her Family Before Triple Murder, Records Show

A NJ.com report detailed a history of police reports showing Vaughn Stewart's abuse against the family. Multiple disputes were reported between 2022 and 2025.

In one from 2024, Vaughn Stewart was attempting to keep Deonna Stewart from going to work, trying to grab hold of her as she sat in the car, according to the report.

He was arrested and served with a temporary restraining order that dated back to 2022, the report said. It's unclear why it hadn't been served in those two years.

In another police report, Vaughn Stewart forced entry into the Russell home by banging on the door until it swung open, hitting Michelle Russell in the chest, according to the report.

Court records show Vaughn Stewart's criminal history dating back to 2017, according to NJ.com. He was found not guilty of eight crimes, including aggravated assault with a knife and endangering the welfare of a child via a sex act. The details of that case are unknown.