NJ man shot dead ex-wife and her dog in murder-suicide: officials

A 52-year-old Jersey Shore man fatally shot his ex-wife and her dog after she called 911 to report a break-in — and then turned the gun on himself, according to officials.

Mother of two Kimberly Hoffman, 49, called 911 about 5 a.m. Saturday to report that someone was trying to break into her apartment in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said.

“Responding Officers made forced entry into the apartment, where they located the deceased body of Ms. Hoffman with an apparent gunshot wound to the face,” he said in a statement.

The officers then located the bullet-riddled body of her dog, as well as that of her ex-husband, Carl Schulz Jr., 52, who was still conscious, Billhimer said.

The gunman, also of Little Egg Harbor, was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, where he later died, the prosecutor said.

“The investigation revealed that Schulz shot Ms. Hoffman, and the dog, before turning the gun on himself,” he added.

It was not immediately clear if the killer was the father of Hoffman’s two sons, whose ages were not revealed.

Hoffman was the director of admissions at Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, a nursing home in Little Egg Harbor, nj1015.com reported.

“Kim was a remarkable person who touched the lives of many with her kindness, compassion, and infectious smile,” a GoFundMe page said.

“She had a heart of gold and was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. As a dedicated mother, she poured her love into her two children, making sure they felt safe, loved, and cherished every day,” wrote the organizer, Natalie Adis.

“Kim’s life was tragically cut short, leaving behind her children who now face a future without their beloved mother. The pain of her loss is immeasurable, and we are all devastated by this senseless act of violence. Our hearts ache for her children, and we want to do everything we can to ease their burden during this difficult time,” she added.

As of Tuesday morning, the account raised over $52,000 for the two sons.

“As we grieve this devastating loss, we want to rally around Kim’s children, who meant the world to her. We have set up this GoFundMe page to provide support and stability for her children during this unimaginable time,” the account said.

The motive for the shocking murder-suicide was not immediately available.

Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and the Little Egg Harbor Police Department are conducting an investigation.