Funds Raised For Long Branch Murder Victims Surpasses 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 far surpassed the original goal since three family members were gunned down on New Year's Eve.

As of Thursday morning, $36,090 had been raised. The original goal of $20,000 had been 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 remembered in a joint funeral service in Long Branch on Monday. Family friend Mary Ann Schulz, 70, who also died in the attack, was buried earlier this week in a separate funeral service.

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