N.J. authorities: Roxbury man fatally shot wife, 15-year-old son before taking his own life
ROXBURY, N.J. -- A prosecutor's office in New Jersey is investigating a murder-suicide involving three family members.
Their bodies were found Tuesday morning in their Roxbury home.
The house on Justine Place in the Succasunna section of Roxbury Township is like any other in the suburbs of New Jersey, decorated green for St. Patrick's Day.
Wednesday, though, members of the Morris County prosecutor's office were inside gathering evidence.
The prosecutor says the homeowner, 57-year-old Peter Ventricelli, shot and killed his wife, Kellie, and their 15-year-old son, Anthony Ventricelli, then took his own life.
"This is a tragic murder-suicide brought on by domestic violence," Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said.
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Investigators say a welfare check took police to the home Tuesday, where they discovered the bodies and a handgun.
"It's the most tragic type of domestic violence," Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said.
"There's never been any trouble over there at all ... Not a word. No arguing, no fights, no nothing," neighbor Larry Worobec said.
Law enforcement officials say there are no prior domestic violence complaints at the home.
"We've looked at the scene and have made that determination that this is a domestic violence incident. Not all of them are reported to the police as they escalate in behavior," Gannon said.
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Neighbors say the husband is an independent contractor and his wife taught at a nearby preschool.
As authorities search for a motive, the family's finances are being investigated.
"It's a terrible tragedy to see an entire family like this wiped out," Carroll said.
Anthony was a sophomore at Roxbury High School.
"Really nice kid, good heart, big heart," neighbor Alex Moldonado said. "He played football, and right around before the season started, he became the team manager."
Anthony's team on Wednesday wore the school colors -- gold and blue -- in memory of their friend
"He always had a smile on his face, and that's pretty much what I remember about him most. And he always did his best to help anybody he could," junior Jadon DeRosa said.
"He was always there by your side, you could always talk to him," junior Ryan Donaeloy said.
Counseling services have been requested for students who may need it.
A prayer service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Therese Catholic Church in Succasunna.
