WANTAGE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – A man is charged with killing his father and two dogs in Wantage Township, according to Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray.
Daniel W. Simpson, 34, of Wantage Township was charged with attempted murder, unlawful use of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm on January 22. Following the death of Donald Simpson, 70, of Wantage Township, Daniel W. Simpson was additionally charged of murder and animal cruelty, Murray said.
On Jan. 22, at around 4:51 p.m., New Jersey State Police communications received an emergency call from an unknown individual describing a shooting incident, Murray said.
New Jersey State Troopers responded to the residence and upon their arrival, officers located a man laying on the kitchen floor suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This victim was identified as Simpson’s father Donald Simpson, Murray said.
Additionally, two canines were discovered with gunshot wounds inside the residence, Murray said.
Multiple .22 caliber shell casings were located in the residence, Murray said.
Donald Simpson was flown to Morristown Medical Center where he eventually succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 25, Murray said
Two weapons recovered in connection to the investigation were confirmed to be registered to Daniel W. Simpson: a Ruger Newton .22 caliber rifle and a .45 caliber Springfield Armory 1911 handgun, Murray said.
The New Jersey State Police Major Crimes Unit took the lead in the investigation and arrest of Daniel W. Simpson with help from Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Murray said.
“The facts and circumstances of this matter as still being investigated by the respective agencies involved in this matter,” Murray said.
