A home in New Jersey was turned into a bloodbath after a teenager turned a gun on his family and a close family friend, killing them instantly according to Fox News reports.
The incident happened a few minutes to midnight as the family and friend waited to usher in the New Year, in the comfort of their home. Two other members of the family managed to escape unharmed.
According to a statement by Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni, the teenager, whose name was withheld, shot dead his father, mother, sister and family friend. They all lived in the same house in Long Branch, New Jersey the statement added.
Police said they received a 911 call from a neighbor who heard gunshots at around 11.43 pm on Sunday, responded and arrested the teenager without incident.
Family members identified
The Prosecutor's office identified the four fatalities as; Steven Kologi 44, Linda Kologi 42; the father and mother of the teen respectively, Brittany Kologi 18; the teen's sister and Mary Schultz 70, who was described as a family acquaintance.
Also at the home at the time of the tragic incident, was the teen's grandfather and brother, who managed to escape to safety.
According to authorities, the 16-year-old used a semi-automatic assault rifle to commit the cold-blooded murders. The gun was legally registered to one of the Family Members.
The teenager could not be named for legal reasons as he is a minor.
Motive of the murders
Investigators are still trying to establish the motive of the murders. In a press briefing on Monday, Graccioloni declined to comment when pressed further by reporters on the teenagers motive, or if he had any mental problems. The Prosecutor described the killings as a tragic isolated domestic incident.
In an interview with NJ.com, Jalen Walls, who was Brittany Kologi's schoolmate and a neighbor, said the suspect was cared for by his mother and required special assistance. Walls added that he was fully functional and comprehended everything.
A cousin of the suspect's mother, Walter Monteleone, told WCBS-TV that the teenager was a 'good kid' who was a bit slow and had a learning disability but knew the difference between right and wrong.
According to investigators, the teenager could be charged as an adult and is expected to make his first appearance before a Judge on Tuesday. He will answer to four counts of murder, and being in possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
