Ocean County Family Murder-Suicide Leaves Three Children Orphaned
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March 10, 2026Ocean County Family Murder-Suicide Leaves Three Children Orphaned
Ocean County Family Murder-Suicide Leaves Three Children Orphaned
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, a Maplewood man shot and killed three individuals before turning the weapon on himself.
Around five in the morning on Monday, there was a shooting on Fairwood Drive in the Mill Creek neighborhood in Berkeley Township.
When police responded for a gunshot report, they heard further gunshots and saw a man entering the house.
Vaughn Stewart, 37, turned the gun on himself after shooting the three, according to prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Two victims were discovered dead from what appeared to be gunshot wounds when officials entered the house, according to Billhimer. They were identified as Michelle Russell, 60, and Allan Russell, 61. According to Billhimer, they were also the homeowners.
The homeowners' daughter, Deonna Stewart, 38, is the third victim. According to Billhimer, she and Vaughn Stewart had three children who were inside the home when the incident occurred.
According to Billhimer, the events unfolded as follows:
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 Department of Child Protection and Permanency is currently in charge of the minor children.
