Highlights:
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Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, charged with two counts of first-degree murder in New Jersey
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Victims are her two sons, aged 5 and 7; identities pending official confirmation
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Additional charge includes third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
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Children were found unconscious at a Hillsborough, New Jersey home; resuscitation attempts failed
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Case under investigation by Hillsborough Police and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
US authorities have arrested a 35-year-old Indian-origin woman in connection with the deaths of her two young sons at a home in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Priyatharsini Natarajan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to officials.
The incident has drawn significant attention in New Jersey as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children, who were aged 5 and 7. Law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation is active and that additional findings are expected following a postmortem examination.
Timeline of Events in New Jersey Investigation
According to Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, the incident occurred on January 13 at approximately 6:45 pm at the family’s residence in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Authorities said the children’s father contacted emergency services after returning home from work and finding both children unconscious.
The father reportedly told authorities that “his wife did something to them.” Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene following the 911 call.
When Hillsborough Police officers arrived at the New Jersey residence, they were accompanied by the children’s father and Priyatharsini Natarajan. Officers located the two children inside a bedroom of the home. Life-saving measures were initiated immediately, with assistance from medical personnel who also responded to the scene.
Despite these efforts, authorities said the children could not be revived and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The children’s names have not been released publicly, as officials are awaiting positive identification by the Medical Examiner’s Office in New Jersey.
Charges Filed Under New Jersey Law
Following the incident, Natarajan was taken into custody by Hillsborough Police. She was later transported to the Somerset County Jail in New Jersey, where she remains held pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutors have charged her with two counts of first-degree murder, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations under New Jersey law. In addition, she faces one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Authorities have not publicly disclosed details about the weapon involved.
Officials emphasized that all charges are accusations, and the legal process in New Jersey will determine the outcome of the case.
Multi-Agency Investigation in New Jersey
The investigation is being led by the Hillsborough Township Police Department in coordination with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit. Additional support is being provided by the Crime Scene Investigation Unit and medical investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
A postmortem examination has been scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of death. The examination will also be used to formally confirm the identities of the two children, as required under New Jersey investigative procedures.
Prosecutor McDonald said the case remains under active review, and investigators are continuing to collect and analyze evidence related to the incident. Officials have not indicated a timeline for when further details may be released.
New Jersey Community Responds as Investigation Continues
The case has shocked residents in Hillsborough and across New Jersey, with many expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities have not commented on possible motives and have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation proceeds.
Law enforcement officials in New Jersey stated that updates will be shared as more information becomes available, particularly after the postmortem results are finalized and reviewed.
For now, Priyatharsini Natarajan remains in custody in New Jersey, awaiting further court proceedings. The case continues to be handled by local and county authorities, who have reiterated their commitment to conducting a thorough and complete investigation.
