The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating the deaths of two adults and a child in what authorities describe as a suspected murder-suicide.
According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey, Hamilton Township police responded to a 911 call from a residence in the 200 block of Henry Street just before 4 a.m. on June 5. The home is the Deutzville section of the township.
Officers found an adult man, an adult woman and a young girl, each suffering from gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates the man, Fernando Mercado, 42, shot his girlfriend and her daughter before turning the gun on himself, Marbrey said.
Media reports have identified the victims as Evangelina Velasquez, 10, and her mother, Claribel Torres, 42.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Hamilton Police Division are investigating the circumstances that led to the shootings.
“Our community is grieving an unimaginable tragedy involving the untimely deaths of three people, including a 10 year old girl,” said Hamilton Mayor Jeff MArtin in a statement. “On behalf of Hamilton Township, I extend my prayers to their family members, friends, and neighbors.”
“I want to thank Mercer County and the Hamilton Township School District for providing grief counseling to those affected by this tragedy.” Martin added.
He urged anyone who has been impacted by relationship abuse to call 1-800-799-SAFE.
