A New Jersey mother stands accused of the unthinkable: murdering her own young sons, ages 5 and 7, in their family home, leaving a grieving father to discover the horror.
Story Snapshot
- Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, charged with two counts of first-degree murder after her sons found unresponsive in their bedroom.
- Father returned from work at 6:45 p.m. on January 14, 2026, called 911 stating his wife “had done something to them.”
- Children pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency efforts; mother arrested immediately at Shell Court home in Hillsborough Township.
- Additional charge of third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose; held at Somerset County Jail awaiting detention hearing.
Tragic Discovery Unfolds in Suburban New Jersey
On January 14, 2026, at approximately 6:45 p.m., the father arrived home from work to his residence on Shell Court in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County. He discovered his two sons, ages 5 and 7, unresponsive in a bedroom. The father immediately dialed 911, telling dispatchers his wife had done something to the children. Officers arrived to find Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, and her husband at the home. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures, but both boys were pronounced dead at the scene.
NJ mom charged with killing sons, 5 and 7, after father finds their bodies in bedroom: prosecutors https://t.co/iPdwndbWJK pic.twitter.com/6MG23iLauO
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) January 14, 2026
Mother Charged with First-Degree Murder
Authorities arrested Natarajan at the scene and transported her to Somerset County Jail. Prosecutors filed two counts of first-degree murder against her. They added one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Natarajan awaits a detention hearing. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office leads the investigation. Hillsborough Township Police responded as first responders to the 911 call.
Ongoing Investigation Reveals Key Details
The Somerset County Medical Examiner’s Office conducts autopsies to confirm victim identities and determine cause of death. Officials have not released the boys’ names pending positive identification. Details on the manner of death and the weapon involved remain undisclosed. No prior incidents or family history appear in public records. The sudden nature of the event shocks the suburban community, where such tragedies rarely occur.
This case underscores the devastation when family safety nets fail. Limited public information on preceding events highlights gaps in monitoring child welfare. Somerset County now faces scrutiny over response protocols for parental involvement in child deaths. Traditional family values demand swift justice and protection for the innocent.
Community and Broader Ramifications
The incident generates widespread media coverage in the New York-New Jersey region, amplifying community shock. It raises questions about child safety in residential settings and mental health services availability. New Jersey’s court system will handle the proceedings, potentially influencing future parental homicide cases. Extended family endures profound loss amid unanswered questions. Law enforcement’s rapid response demonstrates effective protocols, yet prevention remains elusive without prior indicators.
Sources:
ABC7 New York (WABC): Hillsborough NJ mother arrested in deaths of 2 sons, ages 5 and 7
Audacy/1010 WINS: NJ mom, 35, accused of murdering her young children
Fox5 New York: Priyatharsini Natarajan, mother charged with murder of sons, Hillsborough NJ
CBS New York: N.J. mother accused of killing her 2 children
