Full Breakdown
Murder-Suicide at Pennsauken Home Prompts Police Use of Robotic Dog
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Police were dispatched to the 4400 block of Bethel Avenue in Pennsauken, New Jersey, after a report of a shooting and a man armed with a handgun inside the residence. Officers found 59-year-old Janet Camacho shot on the front steps and, later, her 60-year-old brother Daniel Lopez dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the home. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office classified the incident as a murder-suicide.
Timeline
- Morning, around 9 a.m. – Pennsauken police respond and establish a perimeter.
- 9:01 a.m. – Notification of an armed male inside the house.
- Shortly after arrival – Camacho is found on the front steps and transported to Cooper University Hospital, pronounced dead at 9:38 a.m.
- Approximately 10:37 a.m. – A robotic police dog enters the garage; officers locate Lopez deceased from a self-inflicted wound, pronounced dead at 10:41 a.m.
Data & Statistics
- Victims: sister, 59; brother, 60.
- Time from first officer arrival to Camacho’s pronouncement: 37 minutes.
- Time from Camacho’s pronouncement to Lopez’s pronouncement: 3 minutes.
On-the-Ground Reports
Neighbors described the scene as “shocking” and “rare” for the quiet community. Michelle Jimenez, whose family’s doorbell camera captured the incident, said she “processed it” and “tear[ed] up” upon seeing the video. Other residents, including Ozzie Marrero and Megan Hilbert, expressed disbelief and noted the unusual presence of SWAT officers, drones, and a robotic dog.
Official Statements & Responses
Pennsauken police confirmed that the Camden County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team assisted and that a robotic dog was deployed to enter the garage for evidence collection. The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office stated the investigation determined the incident was a murder-suicide and remains active, with no further details released about motive. Detectives Jake Siegfried (Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit) and Thalia Aviles (Pennsauken Police Department) are contacts for information.
Why It Matters
The use of a robotic police dog highlights law-enforcement adoption of emerging technology for evidence gathering in potentially dangerous domestic-violence situations. The incident also underscores challenges of responding to family-related shootings, prompting community calls for increased mental-health resources and domestic-violence awareness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I guess I was just processing it and when I saw the video all I could do was tear up.” — Michelle Jimenez
- “It was just shocking to me. I didn't believe it,” — Michelle Jimenez
- “It's unfortunate, and I'm sorry that the families have to deal with this,” — Jabril Smitherman, of The Barbers Lounge
What’s Next
The investigation continues under the oversight of Pennsauken police and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities have not disclosed additional information about the events leading to the shooting or any possible motive.