Mother and 2 Children Murdered After Landlord Refuses To Change Apartment Locks; Family Files Lawsuit

Last year, Eugenio Severino, 54, stabbed his estranged wife, Ruth Esther Reyes de Severino, 30, and their two kids aged 2 and 5 in New Jersey. He then hanged himself on a tree.

Now, the family of the woman is suing the apartment’s management. They say that the killings may have been prevented if the door locks had been switched out.

They also claim negligence, after they say the complex didn’t provide proper lighting and security cameras as required by law.

Severino had threatened several times to kill his wife. Therefore, Ruth got a restraining order and forbid him from their home.

She asked managers at Penns Grove Apartments if the locks could be changed, but the request wasn’t granted.

A few days later, Severino used his key to gain access to the residence and murdered his wife and children.

The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and the $1,207 security deposit Reyes put on the apartment.

The lawsuit also alleges negligent hiring, wrongful death, and breach of contract.