In the early morning hours of August 31, 2012, a tragedy unfolded at a Pathmark supermarket in Old Bridge, New Jersey, forever altering the lives of many in the community. Eighteen-year-old Cristina LoBrutto, a recent graduate of Old Bridge High School, was working an overnight shift that she had switched to be on. A vibrant young woman, she was on the cusp of starting college and was known for her outgoing, nice, and caring personality. She was a member of her high school's marching band and had a passion for ice skating, soccer, and animals, especially her dog, Daisy.
The senseless act of violence was perpetrated by 23-year-old Terence Tyler, a co-worker of LoBrutto's who had only been employed at the grocery store for less than two weeks. Armed with an AK-47 and an automatic pistol, Tyler entered the supermarket and opened fire. The attack was not believed to be targeted, but chaotic and random.
Amid the terror, ten employees managed to escape the gunfire.
Tragically, Cristina LoBrutto and another co-worker, 24-year-old Bryan Breen, were shot and killed during the rampage. The horrific event concluded when the suspect, Terence Tyler, turned the gun on himself, ending his own life at the scene of the devastating crime he had committed. The community was left in shock and mourning for the two young lives that were so violently cut short. Hundreds gathered for LoBrutto's funeral to say their final goodbyes to a young woman who was just beginning her adult life. In her memory, her parents requested that donations be made to a local animal shelter, a testament to her profound love for animals.
