BREAKING NEWS: Berkeley Twp Triple Homicide

March 10, 2026

Police: Three Adults Dead, Three Children Found Unharmed on Fairwood Drive

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (March 10, 2026)(CNBNews) — Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that at approximately 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, Berkeley Township police officers responded to a residence on Fairwood Drive after receiving reports of shots fired.

Upon arrival, officers observed a male entering the home and heard additional gunfire coming from inside. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team made entry a short time later. Inside the residence, officers located Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60, both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Three minor children were also found inside the home unharmed.

As officers continued clearing the residence, they discovered a male with an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was identified as Vaughn Stewart, 37, of Maplewood. Stewart was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was later pronounced dead.

While expanding the perimeter of the investigation, officers located multiple shell casings outside the residence. Approximately 50 yards away, along the side of Fairwood Drive, they found a third victim: Deonna Stewart, 38, of Berkeley Township.

According to investigators, Vaughn Stewart entered the residence and fatally shot Mr. and Mrs. Russell, then chased Deonna Stewart down the street and shot her multiple times. He then returned to the residence and took his own life. The three children are now in the care of the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

A joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined that Deonna Stewart lived at the Fairwood Drive home with her parents and three children. She and Vaughn Stewart, the father of the children, had been living separately.

100+ Marshmallow Masterpieces on Display with Free Admission

A PEEP-tastic Display

PEEPS^® in the Village has become one of the most popular spring events in the Philly region!

Peddler’s Village presents the 7th annual PEEPS^® in the Village event from March 9 through April 12 (except on Easter Sunday). A highly anticipated event that showcases the creative talents of regional residents–and the longstanding allure of the colorful candies, you’ll see marshmallow masterpieces (wall art, diorama, and sculpture) carefully crafted with bright bunnies and chicks in inspired, inventive settings. It’s an Instragram-worthy extravaganza! Admission is free.

Presenting sponsor: Skip’s Candy Corner

Voting

Download the Peddler’s Village mobile app to vote for your favorite PEEPS^® entry through March 30!

Opening: TINA: The Tina Turner Musical at the Miller Theater

March 10-15, 2026

Rock out to Tina’s greatest hits with this rollicking jukebox musical from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.

Using the music of Tina Turner — iconic songs like Proud Mary, River Deep – Mountain High and Private Dancer — this critically acclaimed show follows the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s rise to solo stardom from her beginnings as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee to her triumphant comeback in the ʼ80s.

Pay tribute to the powerhouse’s resilience, perseverance and legacy when this high-energy show hits the Miller stage this week.

Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA read more

GC’s Philanthropy Campaign2026 Began March 9th!

Gloucester Catholic’s Philanthropy Campaign 2026 is ready to launch starting on March 9 — we ask that you assist us in helping local students receive a GCHS education! Click Here to Listen to Philanthropy Campaign Message from Principal Tom Iacovone Check out the different ways you can donate to Gloucester Catholic’s Philanthropy Campaign 2026: THREE WAYS TO GIVE!
VENMO — @gcramsgiving ONLINE — CLICK HERE TO MAKE ONLINE DONATION
TRADITIONAL MAIL Kindly make check payable to: Gloucester Catholic High School 333 Ridgeway Street Gloucester City, NJ 08030

Walter P. Houser, II, 60, of Gloucester City

Surrounded by his loving family and friends, Walt passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2026, at the age of 60, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. Lifelong resident of Gloucester City.

Walt is survived by his loving wife, Diana (Handy) Houser; sons, Robert Revero and his wife, Amanda and Kevin Revero and his wife, Jessica; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Robert Houser, Jr. and Neal “Shorty” Houser. Predeceased by his parents Robert and Rita Houser and his sisters, Rita Gerber (late John) and Jackie Stinsman. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and beloved friends who were family to Walt.

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Virginia Woman Stabbed to Death Over 30 Times By Illegal Alien

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that on February 25, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer requesting Virginia not release a career criminal illegal alien with more than 30 arrests after the Fairfax County Police Department charged him for allegedly fatally stabbing a woman in the neck on Monday.

According to local reports, on Monday, February 23, Stephanie Minter, 41, of Fredericksburg was found dead at a local bus stop with multiple stab wounds to the upper body. Police later published a photo of Sierra Leone national Abdul Jalloh, 32, taken from a surveillance camera alerting the public that he should be considered “dangerous” and to call police if they see him. On Tuesday, February 24, a local business owner saw him and called police.

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Governor Sherrill and NJDOT Acting Commissioner Jain announce $1.2 million grant to assist Phillipsburg sinkhole repairs

Governor Mikie Sherrill andNew Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Acting Commissioner Priya Jain today announced a $1.2 million NJDOT grant to assist Phillipsburg in repairing Summit Avenue, a local road that was damaged when a sinkhole developed in February.

“This is what government does – bringing resources to an area where we need to make people whole after an unexpected calamity,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said. “We are providing $1.2 million to get the permanent fix in for this road to make sure people are kept safe and to make sure they are able to get back to work and get back in their homes.”

This grant demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to supporting local communities when an emergency arises and underscores the importance of a well-funded NJDOT Local Aid program, ensuring the Department is ready and able to step in and help communities address critical infrastructure needs.

“When the unforeseen happens and the safety of the public is at risk, the New Jersey Department of Transportation leverages its strong partnerships, quick action and access to resources to restore safe access for motorists, residents and businesses,” said NJDOT Acting Commissioner Priya Jain when announcing the Department’s grant award. “No community should have to face unbudgeted and unexpected infrastructure challenges like this alone, and a well-funded Local Aid program ensures we are ready to step in and help communities address critical infrastructure needs.”

Joining the Governor and Acting Commissioner today were Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza, Jr., State Senator Doug Steinhardt, Assemblyman John DiMaio, Warren County Commissioners, and Phillipsburg Council Members.

Background

On Monday, February 16, two sinkholes developed at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Lewis Street in Phillipsburg. The cause of the sinkholes is under investigation, but it is believed it may have been caused by aging infrastructure and a pipe collapse.

Temporary repairs to the roadway are complete, and Aqua New Jersey is in the process of repairing the damaged watermain. Eight homes showed signs of instability and have been deemed unsafe for occupation. The residents are currently displaced, and the Governor’s Office is seeking ways to provide assistance.

Additional Geotech investigations will be conducted to determine what steps must be taken to ensure the homes are safe for residents to return. Utility services will then be reconnected to the affected houses, and the road will be reconstructed, repaved and sidewalks replaced.

For real-time travel information, check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org, and for NJDOT news follow us on X (Twitter) @NewJerseyDOT, on the NJDOT Facebook page, or Instagram @NewJersey.DOT.

Committee Advances Legislation Strengthening Advocacy for Patients with Developmental Disabilities

Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Margie Donlon designed to strengthen protections for hospital patients with developmental disabilities cleared the Assembly Health Committee today. This bill ensures a level of support for patients who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Bill A2259 would authorize patients with developmental disabilities to have a designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver to accompany them in accordance with hospital policies necessary to ensure patient safety, privacy, infection control and clinical care.

“As a doctor, I know firsthand that patient care is the most important thing and everyone deserves a voice and to have their needs met and their concerns addressed,” said Assemblywoman Donlon (D-Monmouth). “This bill is about empowerment, dignity, and peace of mind for these patients and their families. Having a designated person to support and advocate for patients with developmental disabilities will enormously benefit both the patient and the hospital.”

When patients are unable to self-advocate, this can lead to a higher risk of adverse events, unmet care needs and miscommunication about symptoms. Family members, guardians, and direct support professionals frequently serve as translators of behavior and needs, advocate for pain, preference, or consent while the patient is receiving care.

Under existing law, New Jersey’s Patient’s Bill of Rights guarantees respectful treatment, privacy, participation in care decisions, and family communication, but is silent on the presence of a caregiver for patients with disabilities, particularly under restrictive hospital visitation policies. This bill would codify caregiver access rights.

Under the bill, a patient may designate one caregiver at a time for the purposes of accompaniment.

DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals

DNREC encourages Delaware non-profit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners’ associations to submit project proposals to be considered for grant funds from DNREC’s Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program.

Cape May Remains the Heart of Coast Guard Recruit Training

Congressman Van Drew highlighted the continued strength of U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May following the Coast Guard’s announcement that it plans to establish an additional training center in Alabama to help meet growing national training needs.

“This is good news for Cape May, good news for the Coast Guard, and good news for our country,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Cape May is the main training center for the entire nation, and that is not changing. With the $495 million in federal investments we have secured, the Training Center Cape May is thriving and stronger than it has ever been. This includes the single largest federal investment in the history of South Jersey, and the Coast Guard has given us a written commitment ensuring these funds come solely to our Training Center.