BCPO Press Release

TO: ALL NEWS MEDIA
FROM: ACTING PROSECUTOR GURBIR S. GREWAL

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced today the investigation of the murder of ANNETTE TORRES (DOB: 03/26/1979 ) of 268 West Clinton Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ and the suicide of MARK MORRIS (DOB: 06/06/1974) of 268 West Clinton Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ. The investigation was conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Carmen MARTINO, the Bergenfield Police Department under the direction of Chief Cathy MADALONE, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department under the direction of Sheriff Michael SAUDINO.

On Saturday, March 19, 2016, at approximately 10:22 a.m., the Bergenfield Police Department was contacted by a local resident regarding a juvenile identified as “M.M.” According to the caller, “M.M.” was stating that his parents were not breathing, at which point, the Bergenfield Police Department conducted a welfare check at 268 West Clinton Avenue. After forcing entry into this location, members of the Bergenfield Police Department discovered one (1) male deceased resident in the basement area later identified as Mark MORRIS and one (1) deceased female resident located in an upstairs bedroom later identified as Annette TORRES. After rendering the residence safe, the Bergenfield Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad for assistance.

During the ensuing investigation, it was determined that MORRIS and TORRES had an altercation during the afternoon/evening hours of March 18. At some point during this altercation, the investigation revealed that MORRIS shot and killed TORRES and MORRIS then shot and killed himself. Detectives seized two (2) handguns from the residence: one .25 caliber automatic handgun, and one 9mm handgun. These weapons will be analyzed by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Ballistics Unit.

After a complete analysis conducted by the Bergen County Medical Examiner, TORRES’ death has been ruled a homicide as a result of a gunshot wound. The Medical Examiner further determined the manner of MORRIS’ death a suicide as a result of a gunshot wound.

Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal would like to thank the Bergenfield Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance during this investigation.