A tight-knit New Jersey community is reeling after a suspected murder-suicide claimed the lives of 42-year-old Claribel Torres, her 10-year-old daughter Evangelina, and 42-year-old Fernando Mercado. Authorities say Mercado fatally shot both Torres and Evangelina before taking his own life.
The tragic deaths took place inside Mercado’s home, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide.
The horrific event has left the local community in disbelief, with Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin offering his condolences in a statement to NJ.com: “This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the untimely deaths of three people, including a 10-year-old girl. On behalf of Hamilton Township, I extend my prayers to their family members, friends, and neighbors.”
Child Killed While Allegedly Defending Family
In an emotional GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Evangelina’s funeral expenses, her father, Bladimir Velásquez, shared heartbreaking details of the events leading up to the killings. Velásquez revealed that Evangelina, described as a protective older sister, was killed while trying to shield her mother and younger siblings.
“She was murdered by her stepfather while defending her mother and brothers,” Velásquez wrote. “Eva was the oldest sister, just beginning to rise, loved by everyone, and will be missed by friends and family and never forgotten. I’ll love and miss my baby forever.”
Velásquez also shared that two other children were in the home at the time of the shooting but were unharmed physically. He expressed concerns about his daughter’s safety in the past, mentioning delays in child protective services court proceedings.
A Life Cut Short
Evangelina, a fourth-grade student, was remembered by those who knew her as a bright and loving child who enjoyed swimming and spending time with her family.
Her untimely death, along with her mother’s, has shaken the community and sparked renewed conversations about domestic violence and the effectiveness of family protection systems.
Though local officials have not released additional details regarding prior incidents or protective orders, the case remains under active investigation.
The community continues to mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short, and the family’s pain is felt across Hamilton Township as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating event.