2 family members dead in Pennsauken murder-suicide, police say
Police deploy robot dog during reported barricade situation at home in Pennsauken
Police responded to a reported shooting and barricade situation at a home in Pennsauken, New Jersey on Wednesday morning.
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. - Authorities are investigating after a murder-suicide between family members was reported Wednesday morning in Pennsauken, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.
What we know:
At approximately 9:01 a.m., Pennsauken police responded to the home after a report of a shooting and a male suspect armed with a handgun was reported inside, according to investigators.
A police perimeter was established and the Camden County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team deployed, officials said. SWAT officers used a robotic dog, which was seen entering the garage.
Janet Camacho, 59, was found on the front steps of the house with a gunshot wound and was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:38 a.m., police said.
Daniel Lopez, 60, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the residence at around 10:37 a.m., and pronounced dead at 10:41 a.m., according to investigators.
Investigators say Lopez and Camacho were brother and sister.
Investigators brought out bags of evidence from the house, while the scene was described as unsettling for neighbors.
As the medical examiner removed the bodies, residents and friends gathered and processed the shocking news in an area neighbors described as quiet and friendly.
What they're saying:
Michelle Jimenez, whose family's doorbell camera captured the incident, said, "I guess I was just processing it and when I saw the video all I could do was tear up."
Jimenez shared that her family had been friends with Lopez and his mother for years, and said, "He was a nice person. I would always talk to him and he would always give me and my family advice." Jimenez says Lopez had recently been unhappy with the impending sale of the family home.
Neighbors described the atmosphere as "shocking," with Ozzie Marrero of Pennsauken saying, "This is so rare. This doesn’t happen here. I mean there’s people in suits, people in SWAT, drones."
"I heard cops for about 20 minutes just whizzing by. I just keep hearing cops, more and more sirens," said Todd Edwards, another local resident.
A neighbor told FOX 29 News, "Stuff like this doesn't really happen around here, so it's just a little shocking."
FOX 29's Chris O'Connell reports the situation is over and there is no threat to the public.
The incident remains under active investigation by Pennsauken police and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials have said no further information will be released at this time.
What's next:
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting or any possible motive. According to public records, the home was scheduled to be sold a week from Thursday.
Family members at Camacho’s home declined to comment when approached by FOX 29. Officials have stated no further information will be released at this time.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not said what may have led to the killing or what may have motivated Daniel Lopez, and investigators say the case remains under review.
The Source: Information from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office and interviews conducted on scene by FOX 29.