Brother of 16-Year-Old Who Allegedly Killed 4 Pays Tribute to Slain Family
A motive for the slayings is not yet clear.
Following the arrest of a New Jersey teen in the murders of his parents, sister, and a family acquaintance, his older brother is opening up about "the greatest parents I could ask for."
The 16-year-old, who had autism, reportedly used a semiautomatic rifle to kill his father Steven Kologi, 44; mother, Linda Kologi, 42; sister, Brittany Kologi, 18; and an acquaintance, Mary Schultz, 70, who lived in the home, on New Years’ Eve, authorities said.
The suspects’ grandfather and brother were not targeted and left the house unharmed, The Associated Press reported. The victims' bodies were found after someone called police to the family’s Long Branch home.
The teen’s older brother has since taken to Instagram to remember his family.
“Never once was I without a hot meal or a roof over my head,” he wrote in a statement that was re-posted by a Facebook user, according to the New York Post. “They made sure Christmas came every year although they struggled financially. I cannot even describe the type of people they were so just believe me when I say how great they were.”
The teen opened fire 20 minutes before the new year, using a rifle that was legally owned by another family member in the home, officials said.
He was later arrested at the scene without incident, police said.
The teen, who InsideEdition.com has chosen not to name, has since been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose.
A motive for the brutal slaying is not yet clear, according to reports.
He is expected to appear in court Tuesday.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family's funeral expenses.
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