New Jersey State Police say the three children found shot in a southern New Jersey home Thursday morning appeared to have been shot by their mother, who then turned the gun on herself.
The three were found shot in an upstairs bedroom along with their mother, 44-year-old Jeaninne LePage, who had a single gunshot wound to her head. She also is in critical condition.
Police said they believe LePage used a pillow to muffle the sound of the gunshots as she fired a revolver. None of the five other people in the home heard the shots.
The weapon was kept in the house and may have belonged to a relative who died some time ago, police said.
Police said they spoke to the children's father and other friend of LePage as part of the investigation. A relative called in the shooting.
The weapon they think was used was recovered from the scene.
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The crime shocked the small southern New Jersey community. About 200 people attended a vigil Thursday night, just hours after the shooting.
The state police said first responders who responded to the home were going through psychological counseling.
"We've dealt with a big tragedy here," said Captain Stephen Jones. "The whole community has been dealing with a huge tragedy."
