Police: Gun Used In Lengthy Trenton Hostage Situation Was Fake
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities say the gun used in the 37-hour standoff between Trenton police and a man holding three children and two dead bodies was fake.
State Police Lt. Stephen Jones says hostage-taker Gerald Tyrone Murphy had a replica semi-automatic handgun. Jones says that doesn't change the way officers responded.
Jones says Murphy was also holding a large kitchen knife and other knives were found on the scene.
Police were called to the home May 10 after a relative of a victim had not heard from her for weeks.
Police found the body of Carmenlita Steven and her 12-year-old son Quavon when they entered the home. They retreated when Murphy threatened he had a gun and explosives.
The two had been dead almost three weeks.
No explosives were found.
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