A close-knit New Jersey community is in shock following a suspected murder-suicide that claimed the lives of 42-year-old Claribel Torres, her 10-year-old daughter Evangelina, and 42-year-old Fernando Mercado, who authorities say fatally shot the mother and daughter before killing himself.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the deaths, which took place inside Mercado’s home. Investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the untimely deaths of three people, including a 10-year-old girl,” said Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin in a statement to NJ.com. “On behalf of Hamilton Township, I extend my prayers to their family members, friends, and neighbors.”
Child Killed While Allegedly Defending Family
Evangelina’s father, Bladimir Velásquez, revealed heartbreaking details in a GoFundMe campaign set up to cover her funeral expenses. He claimed that Evangelina was killed while trying to protect 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 stated that two other children were present in the home at the time of the shooting but were not physically injured. He expressed long-standing concerns about his daughter’s safety and cited numerous delays in court proceedings involving child protective services.
A Life Cut Short
Evangelina, a fourth-grader, was described as a bright and affectionate child who enjoyed swimming and spending time with her family.
Her death, along with her mother’s, has left the community in shock and renewed concerns about domestic violence and the effectiveness of family protection systems.
Local officials have not provided additional information about previous incidents or protective orders, but the case is still being investigated.
