Hamilton Township, New Jersey — An investigation is ongoing following a tragic incident in which a man reportedly shot his girlfriend and her young daughter before taking his own life. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that all three were pronounced dead at the scene early Thursday morning.
Bladimir Velasquez, the father of 10-year-old Evangelina Velasquez, described her as a spirited fourth-grader known for her determination and love for swimming. He recalled that Evangelina had a clear sense of direction, often unyielding in her choices, even in places as magical as Disneyland. “She was always very clever and a strong fighter,” Velasquez said, struggling to hold back tears.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred shortly before 4 a.m. at a residence on Henry Street in Hamilton Township. Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots, and an investigation revealed that the shooter targeted both the girlfriend and her daughter before turning the gun on himself. In addition to the victims, two other children were present in the home but fortunately were unharmed during the incident.
Amid the grief, Velasquez expressed his worries about his daughter’s safety in the past. He had been pursuing concerns through child services, but the legal process seemed to be mired in delays. “It was always one court date after another; they kept rescheduling,” he said. His hopes for a better resolution have now been eclipsed by this heartbreaking event.
As police collected evidence from the scene, family members and loved ones gathered outside, sharing their sorrow and disbelief. Velasquez turned to his faith as he sought solace in the aftermath. “The one thing I have in my mind is that it’s in God’s will. God knows what path he takes us, and he knows why anything happens in the world,” he said.
Investigators have yet to disclose the identities of the shooter and his girlfriend, as they continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the incident. The community is left to grapple with the shock of the tragedy and the loss of young Evangelina, whose bright spirit touched those around her.
In light of this heartbreaking situation, mental health resources are available for anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 988, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support through its HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI.