15 July 2023 , 22:30
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The two elderly people who died in a suspected murder-suicide at a care home have been named for the first time.
Police are identifying the victims as 73-year-old Patricia and 76-year-old Michael Zaccario. They were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds at the nursing facility in Hackensack, New Jersey on Saturday morning.
They are thought to be residents at CareOne at Wellington. Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse Jr. said it was "his understanding" the two deceased were married and that the man shot the woman before shooting himself. The mayor referred further questions to the police and Prosecutor's Office.
Police responded to a 911 call from the CareOne at Wellington facility on Union Street at 8:51am. The bodies were found after someone went to the terminally ill woman's room to check on them, investigators said.
CareOne spokesperson Anna Robinson wrote in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place at our Wellington building today.
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"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and loved ones. We will be providing our staff and residents with the support they need in this difficult time."
It adds that it'll be providing staff and residents with support during what they call a "difficult time".
CareOne says they're fully cooperating with officials in this investigation and are respecting the privacy of those affected.
The Bergen County prosecutor's office says this was a domestic incident and that they aren't actively looking for any suspects as they, along with local police, investigate.
CareOne operates 55 assisted-living and skilled-nursing facilities, 36 in New Jersey, with additional locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Its website cites "superior clinical programs specializing in wound care, stroke recovery, and dementia care."