East Orange Nightclub Owner Shot Wife and Son In Murder-Suicide: Police

EAST ORANGE, NJ — The owner of a popular Essex County nightclub fatally shot his wife and son Monday before turning the gun on himself, authorities say.

According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Ruben Johnson Jr., 50, of Burlington, fatally shot his wife, Mishanda Johnson, 48, and their 10-year-old son before committing suicide in the family’s Sunflower Circle home.

Johnson Jr. was the owner of Bogie’s in East Orange, a local gathering spot that hosts private parties, banquet events and wedding receptions.

Burlington Township police officers responded to the residence Monday around 10:15 p.m. after a relative of the family requested a wellness check at that address. A subsequent investigation determined that no additional suspects were involved with the shootings, authorities said.

The New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit provided assistance with the initial search of the home.

• See related article: 3 Dead in South Jersey Murder-Suicide: Police

The motive for the shootings is being investigated, police stated.

An online fundraising campaign to help defray the family's funeral expenses identified Mishanda Johnson as a Montclair native who was "one of the kindest people on earth, often offering to give even when she didn't have."

"Her smile was infectious and her sense of humor kept many in stitches," the campaign states. "Her son, Tré as he was known by his family, was so smart and super sweet and could light up a room with his warmth and energy. He was always willing to share, his kindness acquired from his mom."

See the online fundraising campaign here.