In Loving Memory of Allan Russell, Michelle Russell, and Deonna Stewart

In Loving Memory of Allan Russell, Michelle Russell, and Deonna Stewart

The Berkeley Township community is mourning a heartbreaking and devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of three beloved residents in the early morning hours of March 10, 2026. What began as a quiet morning in a peaceful neighborhood on Fairwood Drive quickly turned into a scene of unimaginable loss and sorrow that has shaken families, friends, and the entire community.

Authorities confirmed that the victims of this tragic incident were Allan Russell, 61, Michelle Russell, 60, and Deonna Stewart, 38—three lives taken far too soon in an act of violence that has left loved ones grappling with grief and disbelief.

According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 5:00 a.m. at a residence on Fairwood Drive. Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers observed a male entering the home and soon after heard additional gunshots coming from inside the residence. The situation quickly escalated, prompting the deployment of the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team.

When officers entered the residence, they discovered two victims who had tragically lost their lives due to apparent gunshot wounds. They were later identified as homeowners Allan Russell and Michelle Russell. Their deaths have left a profound void in the lives of those who knew them—family members, friends, and neighbors who remember them as kind-hearted individuals who deeply cared for their family and community.

Inside the home, officers also located three minor children who, despite the horrifying events unfolding around them, were thankfully unharmed. Their safety became an immediate priority as authorities worked to secure the scene and understand what had transpired.

As officers continued to search the home, they found Vaughn Stewart, 37, of Maplewood, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was later pronounced deceased.

While processing the scene, investigators expanded the search around the residence. Approximately 50 yards away on the side of Fairwood Drive, they discovered another victim. She was identified as Deonna Stewart, a 38-year-old Berkeley Township resident.

Further investigation revealed the heartbreaking details behind the tragedy. Deonna Stewart had been living at the Fairwood Drive home with her parents, Allan and Michelle Russell, along with her three children. Vaughn Stewart and Deonna Stewart shared the children but had been living separately.

Authorities determined that Vaughn Stewart entered the residence and fatally shot Allan and Michelle Russell. Deonna Stewart attempted to flee, but he chased her down the street and fired multiple shots, tragically taking her life as well. Afterward, he returned to the home and took his own life.

While the investigation continues to piece together every detail, the overwhelming focus now rests on remembering the three lives lost and supporting the children left behind.

Allan and Michelle Russell are remembered as loving parents and grandparents who opened their home and hearts to their family. Their residence was not just a house—it was a place of comfort, warmth, and security for those they loved. Their kindness and dedication to their family will never be forgotten.

Deonna Stewart was a devoted mother whose life revolved around her children. Those who knew her describe her as caring, strong, and deeply committed to providing a loving life for her family. Her greatest joy was being a mother, and the love she had for her children will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

In the wake of this tragedy, the three children who survived the incident are now in the care of the Department of Child Protection and Permanency. The community has already begun rallying around them, offering support, prayers, and compassion during an incredibly difficult time.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer praised the coordinated response and efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Berkeley Township Police Department, the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their work in responding to the scene and conducting the investigation.

As the Berkeley Township community reflects on this devastating loss, many are coming together in grief and remembrance. Neighbors have expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, remembering the Russell family and Deonna Stewart as valued members of their community.

Though their lives ended far too soon, the memories of Allan Russell, Michelle Russell, and Deonna Stewart will live on in the hearts of all who loved them. Their kindness, their love for family, and the lives they touched will forever remain part of the legacy they leave behind.

In this time of sorrow, the community continues to lift up the surviving children and extended family in thoughts and prayers. May the memories of these three lives bring comfort in the days ahead, and may their souls rest in eternal peace.