A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded early Thursday morning in a quiet neighborhood of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, as Claribel Torres, 36, and her 10-year-old daughter, Evangelina Velasquez, were fatally shot in their home. Authorities say the shooter was Torres’ boyfriend, Fernando Abel, who then turned the gun on himself in what officials are calling a murder-suicide.
Officers responded around 4:00 a.m. to the 200 block of Henry Street, where they found all three individuals with gunshot wounds. Claribel and Evangelina were pronounced dead at the scene. Fernando Abel was also found dead inside the home from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the tragic event is still under active investigation by both the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Hamilton Police.
Evangelina’s father, Bladimir Velasquez, shared his grief in an emotional interview, calling Evangelina his “only daughter” and remembering her as a bright, kind-hearted girl who loved to swim and had a natural instinct to help others.
“She was always very clever,” Velasquez said. “If she saw anybody in the street, she would roll her window down to help them. She was strong. Positive. Thinking of others.”
Velasquez, who had separated from Claribel years ago, said his daughter and her mother had lived on Henry Street for several years. He described Claribel’s boyfriend, Fernando Abel, as a “little jealous,” but never expected violence.
“They were together for at least a year and even had a child together,” he said. “But I never interfered. I wasn’t warned.”
The devastating loss of both mother and daughter has left friends, family, and the local community in shock and sorrow.
Claribel Torres was remembered as a vibrant, hardworking woman who brought energy and joy to those around her. She was a familiar face at Our Island Sports Bar, where she worked and was beloved by staff and patrons alike.
“Our Island Sports Bar is mourning. We have lost our boss,” wrote Emilza Barrientos. “Rest in the arms of our Lord, Claribel. We’re going to miss you.”
Friend Vanessa Soriano shared,
“This is not a goodbye, but a see you soon. Thanks for your friendship, Claribel Torres.”
Another mourner, Stephanie Mercado Duran, expressed heartbreak over the loss of both lives:
“You were a very funny, hard-working woman with a good heart… Your little girl was full of light and had a future ahead. God always watch over both of you.”
Kisayra Hernandez added,
“May God have her in his holy glory. Wings for two. Rest in peace, Clary Torres, with your princess.”
Law enforcement has not released further details about the motive, but sources close to the family described the relationship as troubled, with signs of jealousy. Investigators are now piecing together the events leading up to the fatal morning.
The community has rallied together in prayer and grief, remembering two lives full of promise that were taken too soon.
Names of the Victims
- Claribel Torres, 36
- Evangelina Velasquez, 10
Suspect (Deceased)
- Fernando Abel