Hillsborough Mother Enters Not Guilty Plea in Tragic Deaths of Two Young Sons

This week, a Hillsborough Township woman accused of killing her two small children pleaded not guilty in Somerset County court, the latest move in a case that has devastated the town.

Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, appeared before Somerset County Courthouse Superior Court Judge Angela Borkowski days after prosecutors charged her with two first-degree murders. She faces accusations for the deaths of her five- and seven-year-old kids at Shell Court in Hillsborough.

Natarajan, represented by a public counsel, pleaded not guilty and agreed to stay in detention. Somerset County Jail holds her. She may receive two life terms without parole in New Jersey if convicted on all charges.

Natarajan’s husband called 911 late last Tuesday night after returning from work, according to court records. The affidavit of probable cause states that he called 911 to report his wife killing their children. Police discovered both youngsters dead inside the residence.

Investigators said the youngsters were strangled and dead for several hours before they arrived. Police found a note Natarajan left stating her intention to kill the children and herself. Court testimony showed that she made several suicidal statements to her husband and responding officers that matched the message.

In addition to murder, Natarajan was charged with firearms. Judge Borkowski found sufficient evidence to support continuing incarceration due to the gravity of the charges and public safety concerns.

“The court finds that this act demonstrates an extreme act of violence against the most vulnerable citizens of our state,” Judge Borkowski added. She said the defendant’s alleged actions demonstrated a disdain for human life and created worries about community safety if freed.

The tragedy affected people outside the courtroom. Hillsborough Township School District Superintendent Mike Volpe verified the two youngsters attended Sunnymead Elementary. On behalf of the district, he expressed tremendous sorrow for students, staff, and families.

The community has been supporting each other throughout this tough time, according to school administrators. As families and teachers grieve, Sunnymead Elementary School Principal Tammy Jenkins described the mood as shared sadness.

Dozens of Hillsborough locals attended a candlelight vigil Saturday at Hillsborough Reformed Church to commemorate the boys and support the bereaved community.

Natarajan will appear in court again on February 27. The New Jersey judicial system is reviewing the case.

Sources:

Somerset County Superior Court
Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office
Hillsborough Township School District