Details Emerge in Triple Homicide Investigation in Ocean County

Details Emerge in Triple Homicide Investigation in Ocean County

An early-morning shooting in Berkeley Township claimed the lives of three persons, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. According to prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the alleged gunman turned the gun on himself after the three were shot. At Community Medical Center, he was declared deceased.

The shooting took place in the Mill Creek neighborhood on Fairwood Drive.

March 10, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence on Fairwood Drive for a report of shots fired.

Responding Officers observed a male entering the residence. Officers heard additional gunfire from inside the residence. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team made entry into the residence. Upon entry, Officers observed two victims deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

The victims were later identified as the homeowners, Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60. Also located at the residence were three unharmed minor children.

As Officers continued to clear the residence, they discovered a male, later identified as Vaughn Stewart, 37, of Maplewood, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Stewart was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River where he was eventually pronounced deceased.

Several Officers on the scene began to broaden the perimeter of their investigation; as a result, Officers discovered multiple shell casings, and located a third victim, identified as Deonna Stewart, 38, of Berkeley Township, approximately 50 yards from the residence on the side of Fairwood Drive.

An investigation revealed that Deonna Stewart resided at the Fairwood Drive residence with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell, and three children.

Vaughn Stewart and Deonna Stewart were the parents of three children and had been living separately.

Further investigation revealed that Vaughn Stewart entered the residence and shot Mr. and Mrs. Russell.

Vaughn Stewart then chased Deonna Stewart down the street, fired multiple shots, and killed Ms. Stewart. Vaughn Stewart subsequently re-entered the residence and turned the gun on himself. The minor children are currently in the care of the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.