New Jersey mom and teen son killed in murder-suicide pictured on memorial page

A New Jersey mother and teenage son killed in a murder-suicide at their home in Morris County are shown in a heartbreaking photo on a memorial fundraising page organized “to put the whole family to rest.”

Authorities said Peter Ventricelli, 57, shot and killed his wife Kelly, 58, and son Anthony, 15, at their home in the upmarket Sukkasundna neighborhood early Tuesday morning before pointing the gun at himself.

The motive for Ventricelli’s murder remained unclear. My father worked as a private contractor.

A photo posted to a GoFundMe page opened on Wednesday shows a teenager wearing a Roxbury Football sweatshirt and his mom, dressed in red, in their Christmas-decorated home.

“Because of the shock of this sudden loss, our family is not prepared for the financial obligations of funeral expenses and other expenses,” wrote Carlo Ventricelli, Peter’s nephew.

As of Thursday morning, the page has raised over $39,000 from its $50,000 goal.

According to the nephew, the funds will cover “three funerals and all costs associated with trying to bury the entire family.”

The deaths also hurt the family business, which the nephew called “the only income to keep my grandparents in the house they built in 1965,” noting, “Any additional funds will go towards keeping my grandparents in their house.”

“The shock of this situation left our family at a loss for words,” the nephew wrote. “Much more will be added to this page as we give ourselves time to process this huge tragedy. We are still learning more about the details, but the investigation is still ongoing.”

Morris County Attorney Robert Carroll called the case “a tragic domestic violence murder-suicide.” This is a heartbreaking loss for the Ventricelli family.”

“Neighbours, classmates, friends and the Roxbury community at large mourn this shocking and senseless loss of life. We ask citizens to exercise discretion and compassion when discussing the situation on social media.”

According to the authorities, there is no danger to the population.

On Tuesday evening, Roxbury Public Schools notified parents of a missing high school student.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the terrible news of the loss of one of our high school students,” the Facebook post reads. “The high school administration and staff have coordinated support and resources for students and staff who may need them.”

Friends mourned the shocking death in Facebook posts.

“My phone alerted me to a news release,” Nellie B wrote. “All I saw was Justin Place (the permanent address on the Christmas cards we received in years past) and read the tragic story.”

“I never thought it would be you. My heart is broken for a wonderful friend and such a loving mother. Rest in peace to Kelly Voorhees-Ventricelli and Anthony. All my prayers are directed to you. May the Lord welcome you with open arms and you will feel the warmth of His eternal love in eternal rest.”

“Now there are no words, only grief and tears,” wrote Sean Taylor. “I will remember all the good times and the memories we all shared together. RIP Anthony and Kelly Voorhees-Ventricelli. Please pray for this entire family right now at this difficult time.”

Morris County is the second wealthiest county in Garden State in terms of per capita income, according to a study published last year by financial technology company SmartAsset.