Background: News footage of the Russells” home in Berkeley Township, N.J., where three family members were found dead on March 10 (WNBC). Insets (left to right): Deonna Stewart and her parents, Allan and Michelle Russell (Facebook).
Authorities report that a New Jersey man, Vaughn Stewart, carried out a deadly attack on his estranged wife and her parents, following up on a threat he made a month earlier.
The 37-year-old Stewart tragically ended the lives of his 38-year-old wife, Deonna Stewart, and her parents, Allan and Michelle Russell, aged 61 and 60 respectively, at their Berkeley Township residence. After the shooting, Stewart turned the weapon on himself, later succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. Notably, the couple’s three young children, including an infant and siblings aged 3 and 5, were present during the incident but remained unharmed, according to reports by The Asbury Park Press.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that Stewart first fatally shot the Russells before pursuing Deonna, who attempted to escape. Disturbing footage from neighborhood surveillance captured her screams of “Murderer” as she fled. Tragically, her body was discovered approximately 50 yards from the house.
As reported by NJ.com, Vaughn Stewart had a documented history of domestic violence, including a previous incident just a month prior. At that time, police were called to a QuickChek store in Cranford, New Jersey, following reports of a violent altercation. A family member, whose identity was withheld in court documents, had suffered a head injury and had her hair pulled out during the confrontation.
During the altercation, Stewart allegedly threatened to kill the woman and her family. He faced charges for making terroristic threats, harassment, and simple assault. After his court appearance in February, prosecutors did not request that he be held in custody pending trial.
Investigators later discovered that the couple had been living apart, with Deonna Stewart and the children staying with her parents. Vaughn Stewart resided with his mother in Maplewood, New Jersey. Neighbors recounted to NJ.com that they frequently overheard arguments between Vaughn and a woman they believed to be Deonna Stewart.
NJ.com reported that Deonna Stewart filed for divorce in April 2024, but the case was dismissed in January 2025.
A neighbor of the Russells told The Asbury Park Press that Allan and Michelle Russell were “the most amazing people” who brought his family care packages after he was injured on the job. The neighbor said the Russells both worked in the medical field and were devoted churchgoers.
