A tragic family crime in New Jersey has ended with a guilty plea after a man admitted to killing both of his parents inside their home. Prosecutors say the violent attack happened after a disagreement about household chores. The case shocked the local community and has now moved toward sentencing, where the defendant could spend decades in prison.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Parents After Argument
A 37-year-old man, Michael Mulgrew, has pleaded guilty to murdering his parents, Eugene Mulgrew, 71, and Cheryl Mulgrew, 69.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Mulgrew admitted to two counts of murder during a court hearing.
Prosecutors are seeking two consecutive 30-year prison sentences without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced later this year.
Mother Had Tried to Get Help Before the Attack
Court documents reveal that the situation at the home had already become concerning before the killings.
On the evening of November 1, 2023, Cheryl Mulgrew reportedly contacted police and mental health services seeking help for her son.
Authorities responded to the family’s home on Lincoln Avenue in Barnegat Township to conduct a welfare evaluation. However, by the time officials arrived, Michael Mulgrew had already left the house.
Later that night, Cheryl reportedly called police again to say that her son had returned home and that they planned to visit a doctor the next morning.
Sadly, the couple would be found dead the following day.
Police Discovered Crime Scene Inside the Home
On November 2, 2023, around 11 a.m., officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department were called to the Lincoln Avenue home to assist medical personnel.
As officers approached the residence, they noticed a man walking away from the property.
Police then saw what appeared to be blood on the front door. When they entered the house, they found blood throughout the home.
Inside a bedroom, officers discovered the bodies of Cheryl and Eugene Mulgrew. Both victims had suffered stab wounds to their upper bodies, and a knife was found nearby.
Suspect Confessed After Arrest
Investigators quickly determined that the man seen leaving the house was Michael Mulgrew.
Officers located him shortly afterward and took him into custody.
During questioning, Mulgrew reportedly admitted that he had attacked his parents with a kitchen knife after an argument about household chores.
According to investigators, he also admitted to dragging their bodies into a bedroom before packing a bag and leaving the house.
Earlier, he had told police that he left the home the previous night because he believed his family was going to harm him.
Sentencing Scheduled for June
Mulgrew is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5.
Prosecutors are asking the court to impose two consecutive 30-year prison terms, which would effectively keep him in prison for at least 60 years without parole.
Victims Remembered by Family
Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew were described by family members as lifelong partners.
According to their obituary, the couple were childhood sweethearts who had been married for nearly 50 years.
Their family remembered them as best friends and loving parents who created a home filled with warmth and laughter.
