The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Jordan Barnes, who killed his mother, Jeanmarie Barnes, 60, and grandparents, Richard A. Barnes, 86, and Brenda F. Barnes, 84, according to local law enforcement sources and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers responded to 831 River Road after receiving a 911 call from a relative, identified by Mayor Brian Wahler and the suspect's father, reporting that Jordan Barnes was threatening to harm family members inside the home, Platkin said.
One officer tried to speak with Barnes through the closed front door, authorities said. Another officer, John Ward, looked through the front door’s sidelight and saw two people lying unresponsive on the floor inside the home, Platkin said.
Police then opened the front door and encountered Barnes holding a kitchen knife, according to Platkin. Officers commanded him to put the knife down and get on the ground, but Barnes did not comply, authorities said. Three officers deployed their tasers, but Barnes continued to walk toward them, according to authorities. Officer Ward then fired his service weapon, striking Barnes, officials said.
Officers immediately provided medical aid until emergency medical services arrived, authorities said. Two knives were recovered near Barnes, officials said. Barnes was later pronounced dead. After the shooting, police found three family members dead inside the home, according to Platkin.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the deaths, authorities said.
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