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American teenager arrested after family shot dead on New Year’s Eve

A 16-year-old New Jersey boy has been arrested after his parents, sister and a family friend inside were shot dead on New Year’s Eve inside the home where they lived, authorities have said.

Monmouth County prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni said the teen will be charged with four counts of murder and a weapons offence stemming from the shooting that occurred less than 20 minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve, in the shore town of Long Branch.

A possible motive for the shooting has not been disclosed.

The rifle used in the shooting was legally registered to a resident of the house, Mr Gramiccioni said.

The teen’s name has not been disclosed and it was not known on Monday if he has retained a lawyer.

The victims were identified as the boy’s parents Steven Kologi, 44, and Linda Kologi, 42; his 18-year-old sister Brittany and 70-year-old Mary Schultz, who lived with the family.

Mr Gramiccioni said police responded to a 911 call of shots fired at the home just after 11.30pm on Sunday.

He described the shooting as an isolated domestic incident and said the teen was taken into custody without issue.

The teen’s grandfather and brother were not targeted and left the home unharmed.

"It’s a terribly tragic incident," Mr Gramiccioni said.

He said the teen was expected to make an initial court appearance on Tuesday.

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