Stockton student among family members killed by boy, 16

Authorities say they still don’t know why a Long Branch teen allegedly shot and killed his mother, father, sister, and family friend shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Police responded to the Wall Street home in the Monmouth County coastal city shortly before midnight and found the boy’s father, Steven Kologi, 44, mother Linda Kologi, 42, sister Brittany Kologi, 18, and family acquaintance, Mary Schultz, 70, of Oakhurst Parkway in Ocean Township deceased, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christoper J. Gramiccioni said in a prepared statement.

The teenager, who authorities have not identified, was taken into custody without incident, Gramiccioni said.

The boy allegedly used a Century Arms semi-automatic rifle which was legally owned and registered to a family member, according to authorities.

He has been charged with four counts of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, the prosecutor added during a Monday morning press conference. The boy could be ultimately be prosecuted as an adult.

Gramiccioni said the teenager’s brother and grandfather escaped the house unharmed.

Brittany Kologi was a student at Stockton University in Galloway, according to the university.

“We are shocked and saddened by the reports of the death of freshman Brittany Kologi under such tragic circumstances. While students are currently on winter break, the housing and counseling staff will be available to provide services to her friends and classmates here at Stockton,” a university statement said.

A GoFundMe account has raised more than $12,000 to cover the family’s funeral expenses as of Monday evening.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Det. Andrea Tozzi of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Det. Michael Verdadiero of the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000.