Prosecutor: Long Branch Man Found Guilty of 2017 Murder of Four Family Members

The Long Branch teen who fatally shot and killed four members of his family with a high-powered rifle on New Year’s Eve in 2017 has been found guilty of first-degree murder, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Thursday.

Scott Kologi, now 20, was convicted on all charges lodged against him, including four counts of first-degree murder and a second-degree weapons offense, following an approximately two-week trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux and several hours of jury deliberation.

The case background …

Long Branch police and Monmouth County Sheriff’s officers responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at 635 Wall Street at approximately 11:43 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017.

Upon arrival, they found the four victims, each having sustained gunshot wounds, at various locations inside the home: the defendant’s sister, 18-year-old Brittany Kologi; his mother, 44-year-old Linda Kologi; his father, 42-year-old Steven Kologi; and his grandfather’s longtime domestic partner, 70-year-old Mary Schulz, of Ocean Township.

Scott Kologi was arrested at the scene, where the Century Arms C39v2 semi-automatic rifle used in the shooting was also recovered. An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Long Branch Police Department followed.

Kologi, who was 16 at the time of the shootings, was waived to Superior Court. He was subsequently indicted on the current charges.

“The jury’s verdict confirms that Scott Kologi was responsible for his decisions and actions on the night that culminated with him killing four members of his family. This trial hinged on issues of mental health and the responsibility of this defendant. It is clear that the jury considered all of the evidence, including testimony of expert witnesses, as well as the applicable law, in rendering its verdict. In recognizing the criminality of the defendant’s actions, we also recognize that this is a tragedy for all of the family members who are left to mourn this tremendous loss. This office will continue to hold the perpetrators of gun violence responsible.”
Acting Prosecutor Lori Linskey

Sentencing in the case has been scheduled for Thursday, June 30, at which time Kologi will face up to four life sentences in state prison.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office