Mom and Daughter, 10, Found Dead in Horrific Family Tragedy

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, where authorities say a man shot and killed his girlfriend and her 10-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself in what appears to be a murder-suicide.

Police were called to the home of 42-year-old Fernando Mercado around 4 a.m. after a 911 call came in. Inside, officers found Mercado, his girlfriend Claribel Torres, 42, and her daughter, Evangelina Velásquez, all dead from gunshot wounds, according to NJ.com and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy involving the untimely deaths of three people, including a 10-year-old girl,” said Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin. “On behalf of the township, I extend my prayers to their family, friends, and neighbors.”

Evangelina’s biological father, Bladimir Velásquez, told CBS News that two other children were inside the home during the shooting but were not harmed. He had long been concerned for his daughter’s safety and said he was waiting on a court date when the violence occurred.

“I went to child services for a very long time,” Bladimir said. “It was always one court after another. They kept rescheduling.”

Described as a smart and determined fourth grader at Foundation Academy Charter School in Trenton, Evangelina was known for her bold personality and love for swimming.

“She was a strong fighter from the start,” her father shared. “If we were in Disneyland and she wanted one ride over another, no matter what anyone said, she would follow her instincts.”

Bladimir believes Evangelina died trying to protect her mother and younger siblings. In a GoFundMe launched to cover funeral expenses, he wrote: “She was murdered by her stepfather while defending her mother and brothers. Eva was just beginning to rise, loved by everyone, and never forgotten. I love and miss my baby forever.”

The investigation remains ongoing, but officials have not indicated any prior reports of violence involving Mercado.