By: Richard L. Smith
Detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a man and a woman on Monday evening in Gloucester City, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Gloucester City Police Chief Brian Morrell.
Officials said on Monday, March 27, at approximately 6:31 p.m., the Gloucester City Police Department and the Gloucester City Fire Department responded to a motel located at 1200 Route 130 in Gloucester City for a fire alarm.
Officers located a deceased male and deceased female in a room, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Camden County officials said a female victim was identified as Tabitha Price, 56, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, and the male victim was identified as Steven Smith, 52, of Atco, New Jersey.
Firefighters also located and extinguished a fire in a separate room at the location.
On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Vaughn Perkins, 53, of Philadelphia, was identified as the individual who caused the fire and was considered the person of interest in the fatal shootings.
Officials said Perkins was charged with 2nd-degree Aggravated Arson. The homicides remain under investigation.
There is no threat to the public as Perkins is now deceased.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel Crawford of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 580-2223 and Detective Keith O'Donnell of the Gloucester City Police Department at (856) 456-7797.
Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.