Lakewood Woman Faces Charges in Deaths of Her 1- and 3-Year-Old Children
On June 26, 2024, in Lakewood, NJ, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer made a solemn announcement regarding the tragic events of June 25, 2024. Naomi Elkins, a 27-year-old resident of Lakewood, was formally charged with two counts of Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection with the deaths of her two young children.
The harrowing incident unfolded on June 25, 2024, around 4:50 p.m., when the Lakewood Township Police Department received a distressing call about two children in cardiac arrest at a residence on Shenandoah Drive. First responders, including Hatzolah Medical Services, valiantly attempted to save the lives of the two minors, ages one and three years old. Despite their best efforts, both children tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Subsequent investigations by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit revealed that the victims were, in fact, Elkins’ children. Shockingly, it was uncovered that the one-year-old victim had been stabbed, while both children had also been drowned, leading authorities to conclude that Elkins was the perpetrator behind this heinous crime.
Without any resistance, Elkins was taken into custody at the scene and promptly transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she remains detained pending a crucial detention hearing. Prosecutor Billhimer commended the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for their unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth in this chilling case.
It is paramount to note that the aforementioned charges against Elkins are merely allegations at this stage, and it is imperative for the press and the public to uphold the principle that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The gravity of this tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a collective sense of mourning and reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding the well-being of our most vulnerable members.
