Mother and 9-year-old daughter killed with axe in their New Jersey home

Authorities in New Jersey have launched an investigation after a mother and her 9-year-old daughter were found deceased with axe wounds in their Roselle home on Wednesday. According to NBC New York, the bodies of 9-year-old Kelsey Morrison and Keisha Morrison, 45, were found in their home after the minor failed to show up for school and efforts to get in touch with her mother had proven futile.

The deceased woman’s husband, Gary Morrison, is said to have come across bloody sheets in their bedroom after he rushed home to check on the victims. Officers who later responded to the scene found the bodies of the two victims under a bed. Atasha Scott, who is Gary’s sister, told the news outlet that the attacker “wrapped them up in bed sheets, and stuffed them under my niece’s bed.”

Gary also found a bloody axe – which was purported to be the murder weapon – in their residence. “On the floor, it seemed like somebody was trying to clean up blood, like it was swirled around,” Scott said.

Gary’s brother, Evory Morrison, was at the home when police arrived. Though he drove away in Keisha’s car, police managed to locate and arrest him – he is currently accused of car theft.

Evory had been staying in the house for more than two years, but he was told to move out not too long ago, per NBC New York. He had, however, not moved out at the time of the killings, and was at home when his brother returned to check on the victims.

“I can’t go into details exactly what occurred, but I can tell you she was uncomfortable and neither were his nieces with him being in the home, in the basement,” Scott said. She also alleged Evory was jealous of Gary and the things he had.

“[Keisha’s] birthday just passed on the 6th. We went partying — she, my brother, and I — for her birthday, her birthday month. This guy was jealous of my brother and what he had. He wanted what he had,” Scott added. “My daughter and her are best friends, I don’t know what I’m going to tell her.” 

Prosecutors are yet to provide further information on the case.