Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Chiropractor Found Dead After Killing Wife And Crashing Car Into Neighbor’s Backyard, Police Say
Police believe John Kolonich stabbed his wife Melissa to death before taking his own life in the neighbor's yard.
A New Jersey man is dead after authorities say he murdered his wife and later crashed his car into a neighbor’s backyard.
On Thursday, John Kolonich, 45, was pronounced dead in his vehicle after Franklin Township Police responded to a report of a man who’d taken his own life, according to their press release. A short time later, police discovered Melissa Kolonich, 42, dead in the couple’s nearby residence.
The Gloucester County Medical Examiner determined Melissa died from multiple stab wounds. The manner of death was homicide.
Authorities “determined that Melissa Kolonich was murdered by John Kolonich, in the early morning hours Thursday at their Florawood Court address,” according to a Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office statement. “At a time after the murder, John Kolonich departed their residence in his vehicle, and, traveling southbound on Franklinville-Williamstown Road, left the roadway, crashing into the backyard of the Sandra Way residence.”
When authorities responded to the call at around 10:30 a.m., they found John dead.
“After John Kolonich crashed his vehicle, he committed suicide while still inside the vehicle, using a rifle he had in his possession,” authorities stated in the press release.
Melissa was killed hours before.
John Kolonich was a chiropractor who operated Enhanced Chiropractic in Franklinville, according to local news outlet Courier Post. A motive for the murder-suicide has not been released.
According to New Jersey news station 101.5, the couple shared a daughter.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Gloucester Prosecutor’s Office at 856-384-5593 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 856-694-1415.
