12-Gauge Shotgun Found At Carlstadt Home: Prosecutor

Authorities found a 12-gauge shotgun next to the Carlstadt husband who shot and killed his wife Wednesday night.

Scott Sabia, 45, murdered his wife, Michele, 44, outside their home with what neighbors said appeared to be a "long gun," said Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal.

Sabia then went into the home where law enforcement personnel attempted to contact him, but he did not respond, Grewal said.

A SWAT team eventually determined the house was safe to enter; after entering, they found Sabia's body and a 12-gauge shotgun next to it, Grewal said.

Related: Bergen Husband And Wife Dead In Murder-Suicide: Prosecutor

Sabia died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound; Michele Sabia was shot multiple times, Grewal said.

An online campaign was started to raise money for the couple's three children, who were inside the house during part of the ordeal, authorities said. They escaped unharmed to a neighbor's house, Grewal said.

Scott Sabia had been battling depression for years and the couple had been separated, according to published reports, but had recently gotten back together.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Sign up for Patch N.J. email newsletters here.