Joan Bramhall, a former aide to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, was found dead in her home today, the victim of an apparent murder/suicide, reports The Star-Ledger.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. The Home Belonged to Bramhall & Her Husband John
The home that Joan Bramhall and her husband, John, shared in New Jersey. (Google Street View)
Two people were found dead in the home in Denville, New Jersey, with the Star-Ledger reporting that one of the victims was Joan Bramhall. The paper reported 24 hours after the news of the attack that it’s believe Bramhall’s husband, John, shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself.
2. She Worked Closely With Governor Christie
(Getty)
Bramhall was a former chairwoman of the Morris County Republican Committee from 1988 to ’94. Between 1993 and ’98 she served as a county freeholder, working alongside Governor Chris Christie. She was also a part of Christie’s transition team in 2009, when the New Jersey governor was elected.
Great #SenatorBucco event with #GovChristie and special acknowledgement to #JoanBramhall pic.twitter.com/dlbKAIb4PS
— Laurie Bogaard (@laurieb7) April 27, 2013
3. Christie Attended a Dinner in Her Honor
Bramhall worked alongside late Rep. Dean Gallo. (Wikipedia)
During her political career, Bramhall was also an aide to U.S. Rep. Dean Gallo. Her biggest job within the New Jersey GOP was was as Morris County clerk, a post from which she retired in 2013. In her honor, the Republican party held a dinner, which was attended by Governor Christie.
4. She Had 3 Children With Her Husband
Denville Police & Morris Co. Prosecutor Office are investigating the deaths of two people in a home on Arden Rd. pic.twitter.com/Gdxmbhfnoe
— News 12 News Desk (@News12NJDesk) August 7, 2014
In a 2013 interview with the Star-Ledger, Bramhall said that she was looking forward to taking a cruise with her husband, John, when she retired. The couple raised three children together.
5. Cops are Not Seeking Anyone Else in Relation to the Deaths
Police have said that there is no further threat to the community after the deaths, bolstering the assumption that this was a murder-suicide.