A New Jersey mother has been charged with the murder of her two young daughters after allegedly drowning them in a bathtub and stabbing the youngest. Naomi Elkins, 27, from Lakewood, was arrested on Tuesday and faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder and weapon possession.
The tragic incident occurred at Elkins’ home on Shenandoah Drive, an hour south of Newark. Police were alerted to the situation late Tuesday afternoon when they received a report of two children in cardiac arrest. Emergency responders from Hatzolah Medical Services arrived at the scene around 4:50 p.m. and found the two girls, aged three and one, unresponsive. Despite their efforts to resuscitate the children, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation revealed that the children had been drowned, and the one-year-old had also suffered stab wounds. Authorities quickly determined that Elkins was responsible for the deaths of her daughters. She was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail without bail.
Elkins, who is married and holds a master’s degree, appeared virtually before a judge on Wednesday afternoon. Her first hearing is set for Wednesday, followed by a detention hearing on Monday morning. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and further details have not been disclosed by the authorities.
Witnesses reported seeing a significant police presence and emergency vehicles at the scene. One witness told News 12 New Jersey, “I saw a ton of police cars and ambulances…I saw someone doing CPR in the ambulance.”
This tragic case has shocked the local community and has drawn attention to similar incidents. Just last week, a father in New Haven, Connecticut, was arrested after allegedly attempting to drown his children in the Long Island Sound. The children were rescued by a West Haven police officer who heard screaming while on patrol. The officer saved both children, who were taken to the hospital and have since been discharged from the intensive care unit.
The case of Naomi Elkins has raised questions about the circumstances leading to such a tragic event. While the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the loss of two young lives and the impact on those who knew the family.
Elkins’ case will proceed through the legal system, with the upcoming detention hearing expected to provide more information about the charges and the evidence against her. The community will be watching closely as the case unfolds, seeking answers and justice for the two young victims.
Source: NBC Philadelphia, NJ.com, News 12 New Jersey, WTNH
