Family and friends have identified Michelle Whiting, a beloved mother of three, as the woman killed in a tragic murder-suicide that ended in a fiery explosion in Washington Township, Gloucester County, over the weekend.
Authorities discovered the bodies of a man and a woman early Sunday morning after a house on Tranquility Court was leveled by a fire sparked by a gas explosion. According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the case has been ruled a murder-suicide: Whiting was fatally shot in a bedroom before the home was set on fire, while the man—identified by friends as her ex-boyfriend—died by suicide from the resulting blaze.
Investigators found that the home’s gas line had been tampered with, and an accelerant was detected, pointing to an intentionally set fire. A handgun was discovered near the man’s body in the living room. He had not been shot.
The official identities have not yet been confirmed by authorities, but loved ones quickly came forward to name Whiting on social media and through a GoFundMe fundraiser created by her close friend Tammy Ventura.
“She’s been raising those children on her own for so long,” Ventura said. “She had a heart of gold… She still had a smile on her face no matter what.”
Whiting worked as a leasing agent and was remembered as a happy-go-lucky woman who always tried to stay positive despite the challenges she faced. Ventura, who had known Whiting for 25 years, said their bond formed when they lived on the same street in Gloucester City.
“Her kids were her world,” Ventura added, speaking through tears. “She was an absolute star. This is just not fair.”
Ventura also recalled their joyful memories together, including concert trips where Whiting—“the luckiest person in the world”—would often win tickets. Together, they saw acts like Pink and Aerosmith.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser for Whiting’s two daughters and son had raised over $13,000 to help with funeral expenses and support the children.
Authorities are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact:
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Detective Allen Williams at 856-384-5622
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Detective Matthew Laudenslager at 856-589-0330, ext. 1176
