A quiet New Jersey neighborhood has been left in shock after a deadly shooting claimed the lives of three family members in what authorities say was a devastating murder-suicide involving an estranged father.

Investigators say the violence unfolded early Tuesday morning in Berkeley Township, when 37-year-old Vaughn Stewart allegedly went to the home where his former partner, 38-year-old Deonna Stewart, lived with their three children and her parents.

According to investigators, Stewart first entered the home and fatally shot Deonna’s parents, Allan Russell, 61, and Michelle Russell, 60. The couple had been allowing their daughter and grandchildren to stay with them following the separation from Stewart.

Authorities say Deonna Stewart then fled the house, but the suspect chased her into the street. Investigators believe he fired multiple shots, killing her outside the home, before returning to the residence and taking his own life.

The horrifying events unfolded around 5 a.m., sending gunfire echoing through the normally quiet neighborhood. Police quickly flooded the area as stunned residents awoke to flashing lights and the unfolding tragedy.

Despite the violence, officials confirmed that the couple’s three children were not physically harmed.

According to reports highlighted by the New York Post and NJ.com, Vaughn Stewart had been living separately from Deonna Stewart at the time of the attack. She had moved with the children into her parents’ home following their split.

Neighbors described the Russell family as deeply respected members of the community. Friends and residents say Allan and Michelle Russell were known for their kindness and involvement in their church.

One neighbor told local reporters that the couple were “truly great people” who were always friendly and generous to others. He recalled how they had once given backpacks to his children, describing them as warm and welcoming members of the neighborhood.

The sudden loss has left many residents struggling to process what happened in a place they once viewed as peaceful and safe.

Authorities have not released further details about what may have led up to the deadly confrontation, and the investigation remains ongoing.

For now, the focus for many in the community has shifted toward supporting the surviving children and remembering the lives lost in a tragedy that has shaken the entire neighborhood.