In the quiet community of Sewell, New Jersey, a heart-wrenching story unfolded within the walls of a place dedicated to healing. Arlene McKenna, a 74-year-old woman, was a patient at the Jefferson Health Care Center's Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit in February of 2018. Her husband, 76-year-old Raymond McKenna, was a constant presence by her side, a familiar face to the staff as he attentively visited his wife. But on the morning of February 20th, that devotion took a tragic and violent turn in what authorities would later describe as a murder-suicide.
Shortly before 8 a.m., Raymond fatally shot his wife, Arlene, before taking his own life at the facility. The sudden violence shattered the morning's calm, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Arlene was rushed to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, but tragically, she was pronounced dead. Raymond McKenna died at the scene.
The investigation, conducted by the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and the Washington Township Police Department, quickly concluded that it was an isolated incident. There were no other individuals involved, and thus, no further suspects were sought, and no arrests were made.
Arlene and Raymond McKenna had been married since 1964 and had built a life together, raising their family in Stratford before moving to Mullica Hill. Arlene had once worked as a secretary for the Vice President of Strawbridge and Clothier. Together, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their loved ones. Their joint obituary paints a picture of a devoted couple, highlighting a story from their 50th wedding anniversary where Raymond revealed he still carried the piece of paper on which Arlene had written her phone number the day they met.
