MANCHESTER – A husband and wife are dead in an apparent murder/suicide.
Ernest Greaves, 82, of 9A Lexington Drive in Whiting, called 911 to report that he had killed his wife, 80-year-old Beverly Greaves, and was preparing to kill himself.
When police arrived, they found the front door unlocked and entered to see Beverly Greaves’ body. Ernest Greaves was seated in a recliner chair in the living room with the gun to his chin. Police ordered him to drop the weapon, but he instead shot himself.
Both husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene.
The county medical examiner confirmed that Ernest Greaves murdered his wife with a hammer before committing suicide.
“Through this tragic event, Prosecutor (Joseph) Coronato and Chief (Lisa) Parker hope to raise awareness of the fact that domestic violence for senior couples is becoming all too common. Although experts say the numbers are tough to track for those over 45, there is no doubt many seniors in long-term relationships are suffering in silence without seeking help for domestic abuse,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. “Recently, more than 39,000 of the calls received in the last two years at the National Domestic Violence Hotline came from people over age 45, and it is clear that abuse can escalate as couples get older and their children leave home.”
The following agencies are available to help domestic abuse victims:
- Providence House Domestic Violence Services, 24 Hour Hotline: 732-244-8259, 800-246-8910
- Adult Protective Services, Board of Social Services: 732-349-1500
- Francis Counseling Services, Sexual Abuse & Assault Program: 4700 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach Twp., 08008: 609-494-1090
- General help/crisis intervention help line for Ocean County: 732-240-6100
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
