A tight-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 taking his own life.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the deaths, which occurred inside Mercado’s home. Investigators are treating the tragedy 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 launched to cover her funeral expenses. He stated 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 said that two other children were present in the home at the time of the shooting but were physically unharmed. He expressed long-standing concerns about his daughter’s safety and cited repeated delays in court proceedings related to child protective services.
A Life Cut Short
Evangelina, a fourth-grade student, was described as a bright and loving child who adored swimming and spending time with her family.
Her death, along with her mother’s, has left the community reeling and raised renewed concerns about domestic violence and the effectiveness of family protection systems.
Local officials have not released further details about prior incidents or protective orders, but the case remains under active investigation.
