Hillsborough Mother Charged With Killing Two Young Sons

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — A Hillsborough Township mother has been charged in the deaths of her two young sons after authorities say the boys were found unresponsive inside a Shell Court home Tuesday evening.

Father’s 911 Call Led Police to the Home

Investigators say police were dispatched at approximately 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, after receiving a 911 call from the children’s father, who reported finding both boys unconscious after returning home from work. Authorities said the father told dispatchers that his wife “did something to them.”

Responding officers located the two children — boys, ages 5 and 7 — unresponsive in a bedroom. Despite lifesaving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

Mother Taken Into Custody, Prosecutors Say

Authorities identified the mother as Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, and said she was taken into custody at the residence.

Natarajan has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, officials said. She is being held at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Cause of Death Not Yet Released

Authorities have not disclosed how the children died. The medical examiner is expected to determine the cause and manner of death through autopsies, prosecutors said.

Officials have not released the children’s names.

School Community Responds

Hillsborough school officials confirmed the boys were students at Sunnymead Elementary School and said crisis response teams and additional counseling services were being made available for students and staff.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues and said more information will be released as it is confirmed.

All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.