Suzanne, Richard, Brenda, and Jordan Barnes die in fatal Piscataway, New Jersey shooting

Suzanne, Richard, Brenda, and Jordan Barnes die in fatal Piscataway, New Jersey shooting
Fatal Piscataway, New Jersey shooting deaths of Suzanne, Richard, Brenda, and Jordan Barnes – Obituary

A horrific family tragedy unfolded Monday evening in Piscataway when Jordan Barnes, 29, was shot and killed by police after a deadly attack at a River Road home left three relatives dead. The incident has devastated a local father who lost his wife, parents, and child in a single night, according to Mayor Brian Wahler.

Authorities identified the family members inside the home as Barnes’ mother and grandparents: 60-year-old Suzanne (Jeanmarie) Barnes, 86-year-old Richard A. Barnes, and 84-year-old Brenda F. Barnes. Each of the three appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds.

The crisis began around 5:30 p.m. when police received a 911 call from a family member reporting that Jordan Barnes was threatening relatives with violence inside the house. Officers arrived and initially tried to communicate through the front door while noticing two unresponsive individuals inside.

When they entered, Barnes was armed with a kitchen knife and ignored repeated orders to disarm and lie on the ground. After Tasers failed to subdue him, Officer John Ward fired his service weapon, striking Barnes. Emergency responders provided immediate aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Two knives were recovered near him.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the deaths of Suzanne, Richard, and Brenda Barnes, all of whom were found inside the home following the shooting.