Man found dead after injuring parents

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, Feb. 15.

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 their gruesome injuries.

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

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

Sharon remains hospitalized. Mark was released.

State police responded to the residence at 3:16 a.m. and found the son dead in the backyard. A news report says he died by hanging, but that couldn't be confirmed. Messages left with the Sussex County District Attorney's Office were not returned.

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