Hillsborough Mom At Psychiatric Center After Boys' Strangulation Deaths

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough mother accused of strangling her two boys, ages 5 and 7, to death in January remains in a psychiatric center as of Wednesday.

Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, of Shell Court, Hillsborough, was set to have an initial disposition conference on Wednesday before Judge Robert Wilson.

However, Wilson waived her appearance, so Natarajan did not show at the courthouse.

Attorneys did attend the conference, where they said a mental health review and additional discovery are still in progress.

During the hearing, Natarajan's defense attorney said she remains at a psychiatric center under an order that would keep her there until at least Nov. 22.

The defense also said a doctor has been retained and is scheduled to conduct an initial interview with Natarajan on Oct. 20.

According to statements made in court, discovery in the case has been sent to the doctor, but the material is voluminous and will take time to review.

The defense asked to return in early December and said there should be an answer then on whether her involuntary commitment will continue.

The defense also said more information may be available at that point on when the doctor's report is expected to be submitted.

Somerset County Assistant Prosecutor Terrence Ford told the court one item remains outstanding in discovery.

Ford said the state is getting external hard drives to provide information to the defense. This is expected to be done in the next few weeks.

The next court date is scheduled for Dec. 11.

The Alleged Crime

On Jan. 13, at around 6:45 p.m., a man called 911 and said he came home from work to his apartment on Shell Court, where he found his sons not breathing.

• Related: Hillsborough Dad Finds His 2 Kids Dead, Their Mom Is Charged With Double Murder

"The caller said, 'the wife killed the kids'," according to the report.

Hillsborough Police Officers found Natarajan "in a hyper state" and detained her while they searched the apartment before finding both boys dead, according to the report.

The boy "had a ligature mark on his neck consistent with having been strangled," according to the report.

One of the boys had rigor mortis consistent with having been dead for several hours, according to the report.

The father told police that before he found out that his sons were dead, Natarajan "confessed to him that she killed them," and they had been dead for several hours, documents said.

Authorities also found a handwritten note addressed to the husband with Natarajan's plans to kill the boys and herself, according to the report.

When detectives tried to interview Natarajan, she refused to speak with police, according to the report.

Multiple "ligature materials" were also found inside the apartment, the documents said. Ligature material is generally material used to tie off soft tissue. Rope, scarves, belts and medical sutures are all classified as ligature material.

Natarajan is facing charges of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

On Jan. 20, Natarajan pleaded not guilty to the charges during her first appearance at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville. She also agreed to detention, which means she will remain in jail throughout the court proceedings.

She faces two terms of life without parole. Natarajan is eligible to be represented by a public defender and agreed that she would not be seeking private counsel.

The two boys were students of Sunnymead Elementary School. Following the deaths, Hillsborough School Superintendent Michael Volpe shared a message with the community. Read More: Killing Of 2 Students Shatters NJ Elementary School Community

"Our community - of which I am a resident - is navigating an unfathomable loss today. Last night, we lost two of our young students from Sunnymead Elementary School. There are no words to adequately capture the weight of this tragedy, and our hearts are with the families and the entire Sunnymead community as they grieve," said Volpe.

Hillsborough Township Committee member Robert Britting also commented on the tragedy.

"The sudden loss of life for two young children has shaken our community. God bless them. Please say prayers for them," said Britting. "Take a moment to hug the ones you love."

The Township, along with Hillsborough Reformed Church, held a vigil on Jan. 17 for the boys.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation should contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908- 231-7100 or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at 908-369-4323 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tips Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.