GoFundMe launched for victims of Berkeley Township, New Jersey triple murder

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the victims of a triple murder in Berkeley Township after police found three people dead following a shooting early Tuesday morning, according to local authorities.

At the time of this report, the fundraiser has collected more than $25,000 for victims Deonna Stewart and her parents, Allan and Michelle Russell, and to assist Stewart’s three children.

Berkeley Township Shooting: Officers Responded to Shots Fired

Police say the shooting happened around 5 a.m. Tuesday at a home on Fairwood Avenue. Officers responded after receiving a report of gunfire.

When officers arrived, they saw a man enter the home. Moments later, they heard additional gunshots from inside, according to investigators.

SWAT Team Entered the Home

The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team entered the residence soon after. They found two victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities identified them as Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60, the homeowners.

Three children inside the home were found unharmed, police said.

Shooter and Third Victim Located Nearby

As officers continued clearing the home, they found 37‑year‑old Vaughn Stewart with an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wound. He later died at Community Medical Center in Toms River.

A third victim, 38‑year‑old Deonna Stewart, was found about 50 yards from the home. She had been shot multiple times, according to investigators.

Family Circumstances Detailed by Investigators

Authorities say Deonna Stewart lived at the home with her parents and her three children. She and Vaughn Stewart were the parents of the children but were living separately.

Investigators determined that Vaughn Stewart shot the Russells inside the home, then chased Deonna Stewart down the street and killed her before returning to the house and shooting himself.

Berkeley Township Shooting: GoFundMe Created for Funeral and Family Support

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support the surviving children, according to fundraising organizers.

The page describes the tradegy as an “immeasurable” loss and says donations will also assist relatives now caring for the children.

Community Impact

Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots before dawn. Several said they initially believed the sounds were fireworks.

Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.