Delco man charged in double murder of Burlington County mother, daughter, as community mourns
WILLINGBORO, N.J. - A Delaware County man has been charged in the double murder of a Willingboro mother and her daughter, officials announced.
Lansdowne resident, Junior Edwards, 37, was charged with two counts of first degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, among other related charges, Burlington County officials announced.
Edwards was arrested Friday in Philadelphia, on charges unrelated to the double homicide of 54-year-old Marisol Nunez and her 33-year-old daughter, Catherine Nunez, in their Willingboro home.
The women were found shot early Wednesday morning inside their Harrington Circle home, according to officials. Investigators found a first-floor window smashed, where Edwards was said to have gained entry around 4 a.m. A gun believed to have been used in the shooting was found outside the home, officials said.
Authorities went on to say Edwards and Catherine Nunez were the parents of an 8-year-old boy. He was at home during the shootings and was uninjured.
Mother, daughter killed in home invasion in Willingboro: police
A mother and daughter were found dead after police say a home invasion occurred in Willingboro early Wednesday morning.
On Saturday evening, the Willingboro community held a candlelight vigil in front of Catherine’s home on Harrington Circle.
Several family members traveled from New York and as far away as Dominican Republic to attend the gathering.
MORE RELATED COVERAGE: Friends, neighbors demand answers after mother, daughter found shot to death in Burlington County home
"I just couldn’t believe. I couldn’t believe it. Heartbroken. Really heartbroken," said family member Joseph Puig. "Marisol and Catherine were the epitome of goodness. Marisol always with her mother, taking care of her mother. They’re both beautiful souls. They didn’t deserve this."
Puig said the mother and daughter were always happy, dancing and loved music. He said their deaths still haven’t settled in and everyone is devastated.
The family told FOX 29, Marisol traveled to Willingboro once a week from Brooklyn to care for her grandchild. In turn, her daughter Catherine could then travel up to New York once a week for her job.
During the vigil, the community prayed for the family, including the 8-year-old child.
"She was a great mother. She loved her son. Always was doing everything for her son. She moved out here for her son," said Joshua Jackson, Catherine’s boyfriend. "She was just an amazing person. Her work ethic was amazing, and just her as a person, she was just great. I don’t have enough nice things to say about her."
A gofundme campaign has raised over $20,000 to help cover funeral arrangements. The family said funeral services will be held next Wednesday and Thursday in Brooklyn.