Spree Motivated by Sexual Assault

A 1995 Buick Regal marks the end of a tragic episode that has stunned and saddened several Ocean County, New Jersey communities. Police Officer Edward Lutes was found dead in the car Wednesday morning of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he shot and killed five people. The shooting rampage started in Dover Township, where Lutes shot and killed five people and injured one more. The tragic drama then moved south to Barnegat Township, where Lutes shot and wounded his boss, the police chief of Seaside Heights. Finally, Lutes' body was found Wednesday morning in a car, also in Barnegat Township, with a rifle on the front seat.

Police believe 42-year-old Edward Lutes used his issued weapon, an MP5 9mm automatic weapon, when he shot and killed his five neighbors shortly after 9pm Tuesday night. Among the dead were 51-year-old Dominick Galliano, his 49-year-old wife Gail, and his 25-year-old son Christopher. Then Lutes went into another home and shot and killed 48-year-old Gary Williams and his 46-year-old wife Tina. Their teen son escaped by jumping out of the window.

A woman who calls herself Lisa says she's Lutes' sister, and that she know his motive for attacking his neighbors. "This is what happens when a child is molested and nobody takes care of business," she told Action News.

Neighbors say Lutes accused Dominick Galliano of sexually assaulting Lutes' daughter. According to published reports, in November of 2000 Galliano was indicted on charges of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and lewdness. The following January, Galliano was cleared of all charges.

The other family that was killed, the Williams family, reportedly testified against Lutes in the case.

After the shootings in Dover Township, Lutes drove to Barnegat Township and shot Seaside Heights Police Chief James Costello. The motivation for this shooting is unclear, and Costello, who will recover, called Lutes one of his good friends.

Lutes' body was found near Costello's home in Barnegat Township.

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Author: 6 ABC-AP