Millville, N.J. — A tragic double shooting in Millville, New Jersey, which resulted in the death of a mother of five and injured a man, led to new details being disclosed by authorities. The incident occurred in a convenience store parking lot located on East Greene Street, where 41-year-old Bonnie Hitchens was fatally shot inside a vehicle on Saturday.
Authorities reported that a 31-year-old man accompanying Hitchens was also shot but survived the encounter. Close family members have recognized him as Hitchens’ longtime boyfriend, whose life took a drastic turn that Saturday. Despite the turmoil, he was later stabilized and listed in stable condition at a local hospital.
On Sunday, police arrested Eric Bundy-Johnson, 34, and Francessca Delvalle, 34, in connection with the deadly shooting. Both face charges of murder among other offenses. According to police affidavits, a volatile confrontation escalated into gunfire when Delvalle allegedly drove up alongside the victim’s car and engaged in a heated argument involving personal accusations towards Hitchens.
The situation turned deadly when Bundy-Johnson, alleged by Delvalle to be the father of her child, reportedly emerged from the vehicle wearing a mask. He is accused of firing four shots into Hitchens’ car before fleeing the scene. Delvalle later claimed to authorities that she attempted to dissuade Bundy-Johnson from engaging violently, but to no avail.
In a dramatic confession during his arrest, Bundy-Johnson stated to police that he had “blacked out” during the incident. According to the arrest documents, he claimed his actions were a reaction to the constant manipulations he felt victim to, resulting in the fatal shooting.
The local community has been shaken by this incident, with Hitchens’ daughter expressing her grief to local media, advocating for her mother’s character and stating that she did not deserve such a brutal end. The emotional toll of the event extends to the surviving victim’s family as well, with his sister expressing confusion and distress over the incident, echoing a sentiment of shock and disbelief.
Authorities were able to apprehend the suspects with the aid of surveillance footage, which played a crucial role in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. Both Delvalle and Bundy-Johnson are currently detained at Cumberland County Jail as the investigation continues.
This horrific incident highlights the issue of gun violence in public spaces, raising questions about safety and the complex web of personal relationships that can sometimes turn deadly. Community leaders, law enforcement, and advocates for violence prevention are now faced with yet another example of a dispute that ended in irreparable damage, stirring conversations about effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.