Police Investigating Apparent Murder-Suicide In Closter, New Jersey
CLOSTER, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- An investigation is underway after Bergen County authorities said a couple was found dead inside their home in Closter Friday night.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli identified the deceased as 27-year-old Michael Tabacchi and 41-year-old Iran Pars Tabacchi, who also went by the name Denise.
Molinelli said the pair was found inside the home on High St. along with a baby who authorities said was not injured. The child, an 18-month-old boy, is now being cared for by relatives.
"About the only good thing I've heard today is the baby is safe with its grandparents," Closter Mayor John Glidden Jr., said.
A neighbor who lives next door to the home told 1010 WINS' Darius Radzius that Michael Tabacchi's father received a text message from his son that prompted him to head over to their home.
The neighbor, who is an assistant fire chief, called 911 while his wife, an EMT, went over to the residence with Tabacchi's father to render aide, Radzius reported.
Molinelli said the couple both died from stab wounds, but would not provide further details.
Both were pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Radzius reported.
Investigators have recovered a knife, 1010 WINS reported.
Molinelli tweeted that the deaths appeared to be a murder-suicide.
Two deceased at 595 High Street in Closter NJ probable murder suicide by knife Iran and Micheal Tabbachia baby is fine details later
— John Molinelli (@johnlmolinelli) February 7, 2015
Glidden said he got a call Friday night from his police chief about the investigation.
"It's quite a shock and a surprise, but it's a tragedy nonetheless," he said.
According to his Facebook page, Tabacchi worked at JP Morgan Chase in the city and his wife worked at a local children's hospital, CBS2's Steve Langford reported.
Other neighbors said their quiet Friday night was interrupted by the sounds of emergency vehicles.
"I don't know much of what's going on," said one neighbor. "I do know I woke up last night around 11 o'clock and there was like, I mean, maybe 50 cars here."
Myles Evans lives across the street from the Tabacchi home.
"You walked by, they waved, they smiled, nothing that seemed like to indicate that they would be anything like this, no," Evans said.
But another neighbor told CBS2 she saw the couple arguing one day recently.
"It was a bit loud, it was abrupt. I just thought it's a family squabble," Yonca Bickici said.
It's still not clear what spurred the killings or which spouse was responsible.
Once the medical examiner completes the autopsies, investigators will be able to determine who killed whom, CBS2's Matt Kozar reported.
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