Police are on the scene of a double stabbing that occurred in the unit block of Oak St in Salem, that resulted with a woman dead, a family friend injured, and the suspect on the run.
SALEM (NJ): Police are investigating a double stabbing that left a mother dead and her attacker on the run. Officials say they received a call around 10:50 p.m. Sunday reporting a woman had been stabbed “multiple” times at a home at 15 Oak St. When officers arrived, they found two stabbing victims.
According to Salem City Chief of Police John A. Pelura III, one of the stabbing victims was a 46-year-old woman, and her attacker – her own son – who police identified as Jeremy A. Santiago, 26, who lived at the same address. A second victim identified was a man who tried to intervene and help her, the chief said.
A hunting-style knife was used in the attack, the chief said.
Santiago’s mother and the male victim was transported to Christiana Hospital in Delaware. However, Santiago’s mother succumbed to her injuries. The male victim who was described as a family friend was treated and released.
Police say following the stabbing, Santiago fled on foot, but officers caught up with him at the Veterans of Salem County Memorial Bridge which links Pennsville Township and Salem City.
When a Salem Police Officer approached Santiago and began talking to him, Santiago threatened to jump off the bridge. Police then sealed off the bridge as the standoff continued.
After a period of time, the officer went for Santiago’s arm, the same arm that was holding the knife, and pulled him back over the railing. During the takedown, “the knife fell into the river”, Pelura said.
Santiago was then taken into custody and transported to The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, Mannington Township, for evaluation, where he remained Monday.
In addition to first-degree murder, Santiago is charged with criminal attempt, aggravated manslaughter, endangering an injured victim, two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of weapon and tampering with evidence.
There had been some type of fight between the victim and her son which authorities believe led to the alleged attack. Police was still unsure of a motive, Pelura said.
A boat was also deployed to the river, but it is unknown if it was deployed to recover the weapon or as a precautionary measure in the event Santiago would have jumped.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not released the victim’s name pending notification of all of her next of kin.
