Donations For Murdered Long Branch Family Far Surpass Goal

LONG BRANCH, NJ-The gofundme account set up for the oldest son of Linda Kologi to pay for the massacred family's funeral expenses has now nearly doubled the original goal since three family members and a friend were gunned down on New Year's Eve.

As of Wednesday evening, $36,855 had been raised through donations by 753 people in one month, far surpassing the original goal of $20,000,according to the gofundme page.

The gofundme page was set up by a family friend to help Jonathon Ruiz, Linda Kologi's oldest son, pay for the funeral expenses of his mother, stepfather and stepsister.

Steven Kologi, 44, Linda Kologi, 42, and Brittany Kologi, 18, were all gunned down on New Year's Eve, close to midnight.

Authorities have charged the Kologi's 16-year-old son Scott with four counts of murder and one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He will remain in the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center until his trial, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni has said.

The carnage began shortly before midnight on New Year's Eve, when authorities say Scott Kologi shot the victims at close range with a Century Arms semi-automatic rifle in their Wall Street home.

Adrian Kologi, Steven Kologi's father, son Steven Kologi Jr.and a family friend managed to escape the home. Jonathon was not present, authorities have said.

To donate for the funeral expenses, click here.

Photo: Courtesy of gofundme, a Patch promotional partner.