A 42-year-old mother of two reportedly resorted to tragic and extreme measures in the midst of her family’s financial hardship. She decided to take the lives of her husband and their two young daughters to escape the crisis they were in the midst of. She then apparently turned the gun on herself, taking her own life.
The horrific incident left a grisly scene for sheriff's police, who showed up to the family’s residence to serve an eviction notice, according to People. There, they found the bodies of all the family members, along with the murder weapon.
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The family's home was foreclosed on months before the shootings.
In a media release, the Union County Prosecutor's Office stated that Union County sheriff's officers found Andrea Alarcon and her husband Ruben Alarcon, 51, and their two daughters in their Union, New Jersey, home on Wednesday. All had been fatally shot. Authorities did not name the daughters, but an online obituary has them listed as Scarlett, age 9, and Emma, 6.
The Alarcons once owned the home where authorities discovered their bodies, but according to NJ.com, it had been foreclosed on by the bank, per public records. Still, police have not reported a motive for the crime.
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Someone purchased the home in October.
The home was bought in a sheriff’s sale for $332,000 on October 31, according to NJ.com. The family was given 60 days to evacuate the property.
A neighbor told NBC New York that the Alarcons had lived there for 15 years but had not been seen there recently. One neighbor told CBS News they weren't aware children were still living in the home.
A tribute fund to cover funeral costs has been launched.
"This is a deeply tragic event that has shaken our community to its core. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims,” Union Police Director Christopher Donnelly stated in the media release. “We understand that this may be a difficult time for many people, and we encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help. Resources are available, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
A private visitation and burial will take place on January 24. A tribute fund to help with funeral costs has raised nearly $25,000 in three days.
Community members remembered the family fondly.
"Sending sincere condolences for your loss. May God comfort and strengthen the family during this difficult time," one donor wrote on the tribute page.
"May you all rest in peace knowing that you were loved, and that you all have touched the lives of so many people, even ones who never had the privilege of knowing you personally," wrote another donor.
"R.I.P Alarcon Family! Life is so hard sometimes and you were going through a hardship!" someone else wrote.
"We will never forget them, we miss you very much forever in our hearts ," another comment reads.
The family also hosted an online photo and memory sharing event to later be turned into a tribute book.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
