Update: NJ Man Kills Ex, Her Parents And Himself With His 3 Children In The Home, Prosecutors Say

BERKELEY, NJ — A Maplewood man shot and killed three people before turning the gun on himself, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

The shooting occurred on Fairwood Drive in the Mill Creek area at about 5 a.m. Monday.

A man was seen entering the home when police arrived for a gunshot report, and additional gunshots were heard.

After the three were shot, the shooter, 37-year-old Vaughn Stewart, turned the gun on himself, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

When authorities entered the home, they found two victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds, Billhimer said. They were identified as Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60. They also were the homeowners, Billhimer said.

The third victim is Deonna Stewart, 38, the daughter of the homeowners. She and Vaughn Stewart shared three children, who were inside the house at the time of the shooting, according to Billhimer.

This is how the events played out, according to Billhimer:

• Vaughn Stewart entered the home and shot the elder Russells.
• He then chased Deonna Stewart down the road, fired multiple shots and killed her. Her body was found about 50 yards from the home on the side of Fairwood Drive.
• Vaughn Stewart then re-entered the home and shot himself.

The minor children are currently in the care of the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.

At the scene Tuesday afternoon were multiple marked sheriff's vehicles including the mobile command unit on the scene and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

This is a breaking news story. Patch will share updates as they become available.