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Police: NJ Kids Killed In Murder-Suicide Attempt By Mom

By Steve Beck and Cleve Bryan

TABERNACLE, N.J. (CBS) -- A New Jersey mother shot three of her children, killing two of them, before turning the gun on herself inside the family's home, State Police said.

The surviving child and the female suspect remain in critical condition.

The shooting happened inside a home on Holly Park Drive in Tabernacle, New Jersey between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Thursday, police said.

During a news conference Friday afternoon, New Jersey State Police said 44-year-old Jeaninne LePage shot three of her children and used a pillow to muffle the noise. Police say LePage then turned the gun on herself.

Eight-year-old Nadia Harriman and her 14-year-old brother Nicholas Harriman were pronounced dead at the scene.

"All four victims were found in the same bed which is identified as the bed belonging to the mother," said Captain Geoff Noble.

LePage, and her son 11-year-old son Alexander Harriman, were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where they remain in critical condition.

Investigators said all four were found on the mother's bed and were all shot with the same revolver, which was found in close proximity to LePage.

Detectives said a motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Investigators said five other family members lived in the home, but they did not hear the gunshots because a pillow was used.

Next door neighbor Jeanne Snedeker says she was very fond of Nadia, "She was so friendly, she was always smiling and always playing and she was just one of the friendliest kids"

Seventh grader Caleb Rodriguez, who lives two doors down, says school was sad on Friday.

"They just asked us if we needed to go to counseling or anything, that we need to stay strong and not lose hope."

So far, no charges have been filed. The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office will determine any charges if LePage survives her injuries.

New Jersey State Police said the father of the children has been located and notified.

The investigation into the deadly shootings remains ongoing.

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