During the holiday season, many individuals are anxious to see loved ones they have not been around for an entire year. A person’s life can change drastically over that 365-day span: new homes, new cars and new relationships. But, what if some of those changes aren’t for the better? Like most other states, New Jersey — particularly the month of December — is notorious for its increased amount of domestic violence. This escalation may stem from the financial and emotional stressors that many experience as the year comes to a close.

One such incident may have occurred earlier this month. According to preliminary information, a man was visiting his ex-wife when the violence escalated to a deadly level. Neighbors living near the Bayonne, New Jersey home heard an argument coming from within the house. While one of them was attempting to phone police to take care of the domestic dispute, shots were fired.

Law enforcement arrived and found three adults dead. A woman who had a gunshot wound was located outside of the home and was taken to Bayonne Medical Center to be treated. An infant had also been shot in the incident.

The shooter was among the dead. Authorities believe he shot himself after firing on the three individuals. Initially, the infant — a boy between the age of 12 and 18 months — was alive, despite being shot when emergency responders arrived. He was taken to a local hospital before he passed away.

The mayor of Bayonne would not readily discuss the relationship of the shooter to the victims. Two other children were in the house at the time of the incident, but were not hurt in any way. According to the mayor, both were traumatized by what had happened.

Source: MSNBC, “Officials: 3 adults, infant killed in ‘murder-suicide’,” Dec. 6, 2011