Ruben S. Alarcon, a 51-year-old male, was found deceased in his Union, New Jersey, home on the morning of Wednesday, January 17, 2024. His death was part of a larger, heartbreaking event that claimed the lives of his entire family. Alongside him were his wife, Andrea Alarcon, 42, and their two daughters, 9-year-old Scarlett and 6-year-old Emma. All four had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
The discovery was made around 10:30 a.m.
at their residence on Lincrest Terrace when members of the Union County Sheriff's Department arrived at the home. A joint investigation by the Union County Prosecutor's Office Homicide Task Force and the Union Police Department followed. The investigation concluded that Andrea Alarcon was the perpetrator of the tragic event. It was determined that she had fatally shot her husband and their two daughters before taking her own life. The weapon was found near her body when authorities entered the residence.
As the sole suspect in the deaths of Ruben Alarcon and their children, Andrea Alarcon, was also deceased, there were no arrests made in the case. The incident was officially ruled a murder-suicide. While authorities did not release an official motive for the killings, reports emerged that the family had been facing financial difficulties. Their home had reportedly been sold in a foreclosure auction in the months leading up to the tragedy, and the family was facing eviction. The community was left in shock by the devastating loss, and a joint funeral service was held for the entire family.
