### Lakewood Tragedy: What We Know About Naomi Elkins and Her Two Kids
In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the Lakewood community in shock, 27-year-old Naomi Elkins has been charged with the murder of her two young children. The tragic event unfolded on Tuesday evening, June 25, 2024, at their home on Shenandoah Drive in Lakewood, New Jersey. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the charges against Elkins, which include two counts of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
#### The Incident
At approximately 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Lakewood police responded to a distress call reporting two children in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, they found emergency medical personnel from Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to revive the children, ages 1 and 3. Despite their efforts, both children were pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the 1-year-old had been stabbed, and both children had been drowned.
#### Naomi Elkins’ Court Appearance
Naomi Elkins appeared virtually in Ocean County court before Judge Scott Basen on Wednesday afternoon. She participated from the county jail’s medical facility, where she is currently being held. During the brief hearing, Elkins acknowledged the charges against her, responding with a simple “yeah” when asked if she understood them. Her detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 1, and she is being represented by criminal defense attorney Mitch Ansell.
#### Community Reaction
The Lakewood community, known for its tight-knit and supportive nature, is grappling with the enormity of this tragedy. Mayor Raymond Coles expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “It’s a horrible thing to know that something like that happened here. Anything involving children hurts and it makes it more powerful and sad.” He emphasized that the local Orthodox community is still in shock but has robust support networks in place to help those affected.
Herschel Herskowitz, a local activist and longtime downtown merchant, compared the incident to the infamous case of Andrea Yates, who drowned her five children in 2001. “Right now everyone’s in absolute and total shock,” he said. “Her family is well known in the community. As big as Lakewood gets, it is still a small town. When things like this happen, people go into their shell and don’t talk about it.”
#### The Scene
The home on Shenandoah Drive, where the tragedy occurred, is situated in a neighborhood characterized by larger houses and family-friendly environments. Toys and bikes are scattered across many lawns, indicative of the many children who live in the area. On the night of the incident, multiple officers and crime scene investigators were seen at the home, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape. Investigators were observed removing boxes and bags from the house, packing them into a Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
By Wednesday morning, the scene had returned to a semblance of normalcy, with no crime tape or law enforcement vehicles present. However, the emotional scars left by the incident are far from healed.
#### Official Statements
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited the swift and coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Their collective work led to the prompt arrest and charging of Naomi Elkins.
Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg, a spokesperson for the Lakewood Vaad, a group of local Orthodox activists and business owners, issued a statement saying, “’Ain milim’ is a simple Hebrew phrase meaning, ‘There are no words to describe’. The whole Jewish community in Lakewood — and way beyond — is still reeling from the tragic events that shook our collective essence to the core.” He emphasized the community’s commitment to providing emotional support and counseling to those affected.
#### Moving Forward
As the community grapples with this unimaginable loss, local leaders and organizations are mobilizing to offer support and counseling. “Now begins the time for prayer, support, and healing,” said Rabbi Weisberg. “May the souls of our dear departed children be blessed with the eternal radiance of the almighty as we pray for the healing and well-being of their family and the greater family of the Lakewood community.”
Naomi Elkins remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail, awaiting her detention hearing on July 1. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the Lakewood community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
Source: CBS New York, NBC Universal, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
