A New Jersey woman has been taken into custody following the tragic deaths of her two young children. Naomi Elkins, 27, is facing two counts of murder, along with charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
The Lakewood Township Police Department received a distress call shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, reporting two children in cardiac arrest at a residence on Shenandoah Drive. Upon arrival, officers found paramedics from Hatzolah Medical Services, a volunteer medical service that serves Jewish communities, attempting to revive the 1-year-old and 3-year-old children. Despite their best efforts, the children were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that Elkins was the mother of the deceased children. Detectives have concluded that Elkins allegedly stabbed the 1-year-old before drowning both children. Philadelphia NBC affiliate WCAU, citing police sources, reported that the children were drowned in a bathtub.
Following her arrest, Elkins was transported to the Ocean County Jail. During her initial court appearance, a judge denied her bond. The motive behind the alleged murders remains unclear, and prosecutors have yet to suggest one. Elkins’ attorney, Mitch Ansell, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Asbury Park Press noted that the family’s home was surrounded by children’s toys and a playground. The shocking incident has left the community reeling. Mayor Raymond Coles expressed his sorrow to the press, stating, “It’s a horrible thing to know that something like that happened here. From what I know, it is the worst possible thing that can happen. Anything involving children hurts, and it makes it more powerful and sad.”