By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone reported a major breakthrough today in a tragic shooting case that unfolded in South Plainfield.
Authorities have arrested and charged a local man in connection with the incident, which resulted in three fatalities.
The shooting occurred at around 9:00 a.m. today at a residence on Coppola Drive in South Plainfield. Responding to reports of gunfire, officers arrived at the scene to find three victims with gunshot wounds.
The deceased are identified as Dilipkumar Brahmbhatt, 72, Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, 38, and Bindu Brahmbhatt, 72, all residents of South Plainfield.
Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt were found deceased at the scene.
Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation, led by Detective Thomas Rutter of the South Plainfield Police Department and Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, determined that the incident was not a random act of violence and there was no public threat.
Om Brahmbhatt, 23, also a resident of South Plainfield and residing with the victims, was found at the residence upon authorities' arrival. Following thorough investigative work, Brahmbhatt was arrested today without incident.
He has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Currently, Om Brahmbhatt is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center, awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Rutter at 908-226-7663 or Detective Morillo at 732-745-8843.
The swift response of law enforcement has brought some closure to this case, but they continue to seek further details to aid their ongoing inquiry.