Police have arrested a 37-year-old man who they say is responsible for the murder of a mother and daughter in New Jersey. Authorities were called to the home of Catherine Nunez on reports of a robbery in progress, according to the Willingboro Township Police Department. When they arrived to the scene, they found a 8-year-old boy unharmed and something much more sinister.
The bodies of Nunez, 33, and her 54-year-old mother Marisol were discovered around 4 a.m. on Oct. 30. Police say they found the two women’s bodies laying dead with multiple bullet wounds in an upstairs bedroom, according to a statement.
In the apparent robbery, police say they also found a smashed window, where the killer likely entered. Police served Junior Edwards a warrant for the two homicides on Friday (Nov. 1).
“It is still being investigated as to exactly why he chose to do this,” Joel Bewley, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, told PEOPLE.
According to police records, Edwards was already in custody in Philadelphia for unrelated charges. He is now charged with murder, home invasion burglary with a gun, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses, according to the Courier Post.
One family member to the victims told the Courier Post Edwards was “a monster who had threatened them many times.”
Although the investigation into the robbery turned murder is still underway, investigators were quickly able to determine Edwards knew the victims. According to official reports, Edwards and Nunez shared an 8-year-old son, who police found in the house after the murders took place. The boy was not harmed.
“The investigation revealed that entry was made through a first-floor window that had been smashed open by Edwards,” prosecutors said. “A handgun believed to be used in the homicides was discovered outside of the residence.”
The Nunez family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. “This loss has left our family devastated, and it’s a reminder of how fragile life can be,” the post reads. So far, they have raised over $32,000.