At a Glance
- A New Jersey mother has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after her sons, ages 5 and 7, were found dead in their bedroom.
- The boys’ father called 9-1-1 after arriving home from work and discovering the children unconscious.
- The siblings attended Sunnymead Elementary School; crisis teams are on-site for students and staff.
- Why it matters: The tragedy has shaken the Hillsborough Township community and prompted heightened security and counseling resources at the victims’ school.
A Hillsborough Township mother is facing two first-degree murder charges after her husband returned from work and found their two young sons unresponsive in their Shell Court home on January 13, 2026.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, was arrested shortly after officers responded to the 9-1-1 call placed at 6:45 p.m.
What Police Found
- Officers discovered both boys, ages 5 and 7, in a bedroom.
- EMS attempted life-saving measures but the siblings were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The children’s names are being withheld pending confirmation by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
- The father told the 9-1-1 dispatcher that his wife had “done something to them,” according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
Charges and Custody
Natarajan has been charged with:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- One count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
She is being held at Somerset County Jail awaiting a detention hearing. It is not yet known whether she has retained legal counsel.
School Community Reaction
The boys were students at Sunnymead Elementary. Hillsborough Public Schools Superintendent Mike Volpe described the situation as “unfathomable” in comments to ABC New York.
Crisis response teams and additional counselors are on-site and will remain “for as long as they are needed,” Volpe said. He urged families to speak simply and directly with children and to limit social-media exposure to prevent distressing rumors.
Investigation Status
Authorities have not released a motive. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Hillsborough Township Police Department state that no further details will be provided while the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office: (908) 231-7100
- Hillsborough Township Police Department: (908) 369-4323
- STOPit app (anonymous tips)
- Somerset County Tips Line: 1-888-577-TIPS (8477)
Key Takeaways
- A mother has been charged with murdering her two sons after their father discovered them unconscious.
- The community is rallying around Sunnymead Elementary, where grief counselors are supporting students and staff.
- Investigators have not disclosed a motive and are asking the public for any relevant information.
