The bodies of Trooper Ricardo Santos, NJSP, and an unnamed woman were located inside a property located in South River (a borough in Middlesex County, NJ). Law enforcement agencies were called to the scene for a welfare check.

Tragic Discovery in South River: NJ State Trooper and Woman Found Dead During Welfare Check SOUTH RIVER, NJ — A tragic and deeply unsettling incident is under investigation after the bodies of a New Jersey State Police trooper and an unidentified woman were found inside a residence in South River, a borough in Middlesex County. The grim discovery was made during a welfare check requested by concerned individuals who had been unable to reach the occupants.

Authorities responded to the property earlier this week after calls about the wellbeing of those inside went unanswered. Upon entry, law enforcement officers discovered the lifeless bodies of Trooper Ricardo Santos and a woman whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification.

Trooper Ricardo Santos, a dedicated member of the New Jersey State Police, was reportedly off-duty at the time of the incident. Sources familiar with the investigation say that there were no immediate signs of forced entry, and the nature of the deaths remains unclear. 

Detectives from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, along with New Jersey State Police internal investigators, are actively working to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the deaths.Neighbors expressed shock and sorrow, describing Santos as a respectful and disciplined individual. 

The tragic development has sent shockwaves through both the law enforcement community and the quiet borough of South River, where incidents of this magnitude are rare.In a brief statement, the New Jersey State Police extended condolences to the families of both victims, noting that Santos served with honor and commitment. 

Autopsies and toxicology reports are pending as investigators explore all possible scenarios, including whether foul play or a murder-suicide may have occurred.The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward as the community mourns this heartbreaking loss.