By: Richard L. Smith
Ocean County law enforcement officials have reported a tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning.
On July 29, 2023, an unfortunate incident unfolded around 5:10 a.m., as confirmed by Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer of Ocean County and Chief of Police James Hawkins from Little Egg Harbor Township.
According to Prosecutor Billhimer, a 911 call led the officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department to a property on Whitemarsh Court.
The caller, fearing an ongoing break-in, sought immediate assistance.
Upon arrival, Prosecutor Billhimer said officers had to force their way into the apartment. Upon entry, they found a grim scene: a 49-year-old woman dead from an evident gunshot wound to her face.
Also found in the apartment was a deceased dog, showing similar gunshot injuries.
Furthermore, Prosecutor Billhimer said a 52-year-old man was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head. He was still conscious when police reached the scene and was rushed to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, but unfortunately did not survive his injuries.
The Major Crime Unit of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and detectives from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department were called to the scene to undertake an in-depth investigation.
Prosecutor Billhier said an initial investigation revealed that the man shot both the woman and the dog before inflicting a fatal gunshot wound upon himself.
The case is still open and the investigation continues.