Authorities in Hamilton, New Jersey, are investigating a tragic murder-suicide in which Fernando Mercado, 42, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Claribel Torres, and her 10-year-old daughter, Evangelina Velásquez, before taking his own life. Police discovered their bodies around 4 a.m. inside Mercado’s home following a 911 call. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Evangelina’s father, Bladimir Velásquez, had long expressed concern over his daughter’s safety and was awaiting an upcoming court hearing. Two other children were reportedly in the home during the shooting but were not harmed.
In deep grief, Bladimir launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover Evangelina’s funeral expenses. He described his daughter as a bright, decisive fourth grader who loved swimming and radiated energy. “She was murdered by her stepfather while defending her mother and brothers,” he wrote. “Eva was just beginning to rise. Loved by everyone, never forgotten.”
Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin extended his condolences, calling the event an “unimaginable tragedy.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
