Man Charged with Murder and Carjacking in Cross-State Crime Spree

LEVITTOWN, Pa. - A man is facing murder charges in Pennsylvania and carjacking and weapons charges in New Jersey after allegedly killing three family members, carjacking vehicles in both states, and evading law enforcement for hours as police mobilized in a two-state manhunt, authorities said.

The suspect, Andre Gordon Jr., 26, is charged with three counts of first- and second-degree murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and other charges in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, according to court documents. In New Jersey, Gordon faces charges of first-degree carjacking and weapons offenses, said New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

"The string of violent acts... is the latest in a horrific litany of illustrations of how illegal guns and assault rifles can empower one aggrieved and disturbed actor," Platkin said. "We will pursue justice for the victims and hold the defendant accountable for his reprehensible actions."

According to authorities, Gordon carjacked a vehicle in Trenton, New Jersey, on Saturday morning before driving to Levittown in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, where he killed his stepmother and sister. He then proceeded to a second location in Levittown and killed the mother of his two children.

The victims have been identified as Karen Gordon, 52; Kera Gordon, 13; and Taylor Daniel, 25, who was the mother of Gordon's two children. Daniel's mother was also assaulted by Gordon and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

After the crimes, Gordon carjacked a second vehicle in Morrisville and returned to Trenton. Police launched an extensive operation, surrounding a home for hours in the belief that he was inside. However, Gordon managed to slip out before the police cordon was established. He was eventually apprehended unarmed around 5 p.m. when he was spotted walking down a street a few blocks away.

Officials in Pennsylvania have yet to determine a motive for the attacks. Falls Township Police Chief Nelson Whitney stated that Gordon had previous minor encounters with the law, but nothing that suggested he would commit such heinous acts.

The mayhem caused disruptions in the area, leading to the cancellation of a St. Patrick's Day parade and the closure of a Sesame Street-themed amusement park and several businesses. A shelter-in-place order was issued for certain areas in Pennsylvania's Bucks County for several hours.

Gordon is currently in custody at the Mercer County Correction Center in New Jersey. Trenton Police Director Steve Wilson confirmed that Gordon would eventually be extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges.

The shocking crimes have left communities in Bucks and Mercer counties alarmed and terrorized as authorities continue to investigate the tragic events.