BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ – A 34-year-old man from New Jersey is in custody after allegedly murdering his elderly parents in their home, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Michael Mulgrew was apprehended near his family’s residence on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat Township on Thursday.
The circumstances that led law enforcement to the Mulgrew residence remain unclear. However, upon their arrival around 11 a.m., officers were met with a disturbing sight. The front door of the house was marked with what appeared to be blood stains, a grim indication of the gruesome scene that awaited them inside.
Upon entering the house, officers discovered more blood in various parts of the home. The bodies of Cheryl Mulgrew, 69, and Eugene Mulgrew, 71, were found in the bedroom, both bearing apparent stab wounds to their upper bodies. A knife, which is believed to have been the murder weapon, was also found near the scene.
Michael Mulgrew’s attempt to flee was thwarted when Barnegat Township police officers located him at the intersection of West Bay Boulevard and Gunning River Road. He was arrested and charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, as well as unlawful weapon possession.
Following his arrest, Mulgrew was transported to the Ocean County Jail. He is currently being held there, awaiting a detention hearing.