In Trenton, New Jersey, a 26-year-old man, Andre Gordon Jr., was apprehended on a Saturday afternoon. This arrest came nearly nine hours after he was suspected of a tragic incident in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he allegedly shot and killed three of his family members.
Authorities have identified the victims as Gordon’s stepmother, his teenage sister, and the mother of his children. The shootings took place in two different homes located in Falls Township on a Saturday morning.
Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn shared that there were three other people in one of the homes during the incident. This included a minor. They managed to evade Gordon by hiding as he searched the house for them.
The community is in shock over the events. Shelli Mingo, a local resident, expressed her sorrow, noting the close-knit nature of their community. She believes the community will come together to support the affected family in any way possible.
Gordon was reported to have engaged in carjacking twice that day. His first act was in Trenton, where he forcefully took a car from Sonya Hansen. Hansen recounted the terrifying experience, especially since her 9-year-old grandson was with her. She expressed gratitude for their safety, emphasizing the fear of what could have happened.
Following the triple homicide, Gordon returned to Trenton. This prompted a significant response from law enforcement, including a SWAT team. They surrounded a house on Phillips Avenue, believing Gordon was inside, potentially with hostages. Efforts to apprehend him included evacuating residents and deploying tear gas.
However, Gordon had already left the scene. He was eventually spotted and apprehended by a patrol officer a few blocks away. Witnesses described his arrest, noting that he did not resist aggressively.
Local residents, like Levon Edwards, shared their interactions with Gordon, describing him as a humble individual despite the tragic circumstances.
Gordon is set to be extradited to Pennsylvania, where he will face murder charges. This incident has left the community in mourning and searching for ways to support the affected family during this difficult time.