Man found dead, shot mom, cut dad

By Nathan Mayberg
MONTAGUE — A person who state police say shot his mother and used a saw to cut his father in the chest, was found dead in his backyard early Sunday morning.

Christopher Orce, 34, of Montague, is alleged to have committed the heinous acts inside his family's home on Route 206.

Both of his parents survived despite gruesome injuries.

His mother, Sharon, 57, was shot in the face. His father, Mark, 58, was cut with a powered-saw in the chest, State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn said.

They were taken to Morristown Medical Center and treated for their injuries.

Sharon remains hospitalized, while Mark was released.

State police responded to the residence at 3:16 a.m. and found the son deceased in the backyard.

Sussex County First Assistant Prosecutor Greg Mueller said that the younger Orce was found dead in his backyard by hanging when police arrived early Sunday morning. Orce had a history of mental illness which may have contributed to the incident, he said. "It may have been a catalyst," he said. What sparked the incident is still under investigation, Mueller said.

Reporter Nathan Mayberg can be reached at comm.reporter@strausnews.com or by calling 845-469-9000 ext. 359.