In the quiet community of Blairstown, New Jersey, a tragedy unfolded that cut short the life of 46-year-old Julie Matte. On October 26, 2016, a distressing 911 call led authorities to her home on Cherry Tree Lane, where they discovered she had been fatally shot. The female victim's death was the grim result of a domestic violence incident that escalated to a murder-suicide.
Just days before her death, Matte had confided in a friend about her plans to leave her husband, 55-year-old Edward Aghahowa. She revealed that he had been abusive and that she feared for her life. This brave decision to escape a dangerous situation was tragically intercepted. Following an argument at their home, Aghahowa turned a gun on his wife, ending her life.
After killing his wife, Aghahowa fled the scene. A search for him was initiated, and several hours later, he was found deceased in his car in neighboring Frelinghuysen Township. His death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that there had been no prior record of domestic disturbances at the couple's residence, making the violent outcome a shocking revelation to the public.
The community mourned the loss of Matte, who was remembered for her energy and kindness. Friends and acquaintances were left to grapple with the sudden and violent end to the life of a woman who had been on the verge of starting anew. The investigation into the deaths of Julie Matte and Edward Aghahowa concluded that it was a murder-suicide, with Aghahowa being the sole suspect in his wife's death. As he took his own life, no arrests were made.
