RAHWAY, N.J. — A devastating scene unfolded early Wednesday morning at a Rahway hotel, where authorities discovered the bodies of two women in what police believe may have been an apparent murder-suicide.
According to Rahway Police and the Rahway Fire Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly before dawn. Upon arrival, they entered the hotel and found two women suffering from gunshot wounds to the head inside one of the rooms.
Despite efforts from first responders, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest that one of the deaths may have been the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though investigators have not yet confirmed the exact sequence of events or motive. Detectives remained on-site for several hours, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have withheld the identities of the victims pending notification of their next of kin. Officials say autopsies will be conducted to determine the official causes and manner of death.
Guests at the hotel described the terrifying moments that followed the sound of gunfire, with several reporting they were told to remain inside their rooms as police secured the area. “We just heard two loud bangs — then silence,” one guest said. “It’s heartbreaking to think about what happened behind those doors.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, are assisting in the investigation. At this time, officials have not released further details about the relationship between the two women or what may have led to the tragic shooting.
The Rahway community is mourning the shocking loss as residents and local leaders urge anyone struggling with emotional distress or domestic conflict to seek help before tragedy strikes.
💐 Authorities continue to investigate this heartbreaking incident, which has left behind more questions than answers and two families facing unimaginable grief.