A fatal shooting inside an Egg Harbor Township skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility was a "tragic and deliberate act of domestic violence," the Atlantic County prosecutor said Tuesday.
Victoria Alexander, 38, was killed as she apparently tried to escape her estranged husband, who ambushed her as she arrived to work at ExcelCare at about 6 a.m. Monday.
Brandon Alexander, 35, then shot himself. He initially survived, but died Tuesday morning at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus in Atlantic City, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Brandon Alexander waited in the ExcelCare parking lot on Delilah Road for his wife to show up to work, according to the preliminary investigation.
Victoria Alexander arrived and was immediately blocked in by Brandon Alexander's vehicle. He then got into her vehicle, and put two suicide notes on her dashboard, the office said.
When a food truck driver asked Brandon Alexander to move, his wife took the chance to run into the building, but her attacker followed, shooting her several times, and then turning the gun on himself, the investigation found.
Egg Harbor Township police and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office the descended on the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
"This case represents a tragic and deliberate act of domestic violence that escalated to deadly consequences," Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds told BreakingAC. "Domestic violence is not a private matter, it is a serious crime that destroys families and threatens public safety."
The couple lived in Minotola, Buena Borough, and had two sons.
The shooting “has shaken everyone at ExcelCare," a statement from the facility read. "We offer our profound condolences to our staff member’s family and friends.”
The daughter of a patient said her mother called her at 6 a.m., saying someone came by and shut all the residents' doors.
"I could hear the fire alarms going off in the background," the daughter said.
Police then came by with long rifles and did a room sweep, she added.
Several family members expressed worry and frustration that they were not notified of the incident or as to the status of their loved ones.
The prosecutor urged those with issues to seek help.
"We must also confront the reality that untreated mental health crises can contribute to escalating violence," Reynolds said. "If you or someone you know is in danger or in crisis, do not wait. There are resources available, and seeking help can save lives."
