Slain Morris Co. Mother And Son Were 'Beloved,' Family Says

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Family members are raising money to support the relatives of the Ventricelli family, who were killed in a murder-suicide inside their Roxbury home this week.

Officials in Morris County said the bodies of Peter Ventricelli, 57, his wife Kellie, 58, and his son Anthony, 15, were all visibly deceased from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

At the moment, police believe Ventricelli shot and killed his wife and son.

Carlo Ventricelli, who claims to be the couple's nephew, has now asked for help with burial expenses on a GoFundMe page, which was set up on Wednesday.

"Kellie and Anthony’s lives were tragically taken on March 7, 2023. Due to the shock of this sudden loss, our family is not prepared for the financial responsibilities that come along with the handling of funeral expenses and other costs," Carlo wrote.

The murder-suicide is still under official investigation, and police have asked that the public exercise discretion and compassion while discussing the case on social media.

Read more: Family Dead In Morris Co. Murder-Suicide Identified

"This is a tragic murder-suicide brought on by domestic violence," Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said.

The fundraiser for the Ventricelli family has raised about $42,451 as of 12:51 p.m. Thursday.

"The shock of this situation has our family at a loss for words. With the loss of the family comes the loss of our family’s business. The business was the sole income keeping my grandparents in the house that they built in 1965. Any additional funds will go towards keeping my grandparents in their home," Carlo wrote.

Roxbury Township officials acknowledged the death in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, saying, "the Roxbury Township Mayor and Council join the community as we try to cope with the terrible loss of three of our neighbors. We urge everyone to keep the victims and their family in their thoughts and prayers."