Father broke into the home where his 8-year-old son lived through a first-floor window, then went to an upstairs bedroom only to shoot the boy’s mother and grandmother to death; charged

New Jersey – In a horrifying incident that has shaken New Jersey residents, a 37-year-old Pennsylvania man, identified as J. Edwards, has been charged with the murders of his 8-year-old son’s mother and grandmother during a home invasion, while the boy was in the house. The tragedy unfolded last week when law enforcement officials responded to a distressing scene that resulted in a swift yet somber investigation.

The police were alerted to a burglary in progress just after 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Upon arriving at the scene officers found a gruesome sight: two women, 33-year-old Catherine N., and her 54-year-old mother, Marisol N., fatally shot in an upstairs bedroom of their home.

The investigation showed that Edwards had broken into the home by shattering a first-floor window. A handgun believed to be the murder weapon was discovered outside the residence. This chilling detail added a stark reality to the neighbors’ fears, highlighting the violence that had disrupted their community.

Catherine and Marisol were well-known in their neighborhood, their sudden and violent deaths leaving friends and family in profound grief. Neighbors described the impact of the tragedy on the community, with one stating, “Barely sleeping. We can’t sleep cause we just don’t know,” capturing the pervasive anxiety and sorrow that followed the incident.

Edwards, the ex-partner of Catherine and father of her 8-year-old son, was quickly identified as the suspect. The couple’s son was present in the home during the attack but fortunately was not physically harmed. The emotional and psychological toll on the young boy, however, is unimaginable, with neighbors expressing deep concern for his well-being. While authorities have not confirmed a motive, the victims’ family described Edwards as a “monster” who had made threats in the past.

Edwards was apprehended in Philadelphia on Friday following the incident, initially on unrelated charges before being linked to the murders in New Jersey. He faces severe legal repercussions, including two counts of first-degree murder, home invasion with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and endangering the welfare of a child. These charges reflect the gravity and premeditated nature of his alleged actions.

In a statement on their GoFundMe page, the family expressed their heartbreak: “This loss has left our family devastated, and it’s a reminder of how fragile life can be.” The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses for Catherine and Marisol, who were tragically killed in the shooting.

The case has drawn significant attention, not only for the heinous nature of the crime but also for the heartbreaking involvement of a child caught in a deadly familial conflict. The community continues to rally around the young survivor, offering support and expressing collective mourning for the lives brutally cut short.

As the legal proceedings against Edwards progress, many are left to ponder the senseless violence that led to this tragedy. The case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of domestic disputes that escalate into fatal outcomes.