NJ Woman Shoots and Kills Friend She Thought Was an Intruder

Police say a New Jersey woman accidentally shot and killed a friend she misidentified as someone trying to break into her home. 

The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night near Genesee St. and East Park Ave. in Hamilton Township, Mercy County.

Authorities responded to the residence where they found 50-year old Kelvin Watford (of Willingboro) lying at the bottom of the stairs with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was pronounced dead.

Investigators think Watford was attempting to surprise his female friend, who thought he was out of town at the time.

The woman, who was on the phone with the victim just before the shooting, told police she heard a dog barking outside her home, then the sound of someone inside the house.

She allegedly opened her bedroom door, saw a shadow on the staircase, and fired once.

An investigation into the shooting continues but police tell 6abc.com it appears to be unintentional.

SOURCE: 6 ABC WPVI; Hamilton Township Police

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