An 18-year-old New Jersey man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly murdered three family members and family friend on New Year’s Eve two years ago.
NBC News reports that Scott Kologi was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and a second-degree weapons charge in connection to the shooting deaths of his parents, sister, and a family friend in his family’s Long Branch, New Jersey, home at around midnight on January 1, 2018. Kologi was 16 at the time of the killings. Originally, he was set to be tried as a juvenile, but in November a judge agreed to try Kologi as an adult.
Kologi’s parents Steven Kologi, 44; Linda Kologi, 42; his sister Brittney Kologi; 18; and family friend Mary Schulz, 70, were all shot to death. According to NBC News, Kologi’s brother and grandfather were present at the time but escaped unharmed.
According to the report, authorities have not yet determined a motive for the family slaughter. The suspect’s lawyer Richard Lomurro reportedly said that he wishes his client to be transferred from jail to a psychiatric hospital, and indicated that he suffers from cognitive and mental health issues including autism and hallucinations.
Prosecutors reportedly said that Kologi used a semi-automatic rifle in the killings, and that the firearm was legally owned by someone in the home, but it is unclear who.
For each count of first-degree murder, Kologi faces a minimum of 30 year in prison. According to NBC News, Kologi’s attorney said that his client will plead guilty.
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[Feature image: Brittany Kologi and parents/Facebook]
