Newark mother stabbed son, killed herself

NEWARK (WABC) -- Prosecutors say a Newark mother repeatedly stabbed her young son outside the high-rise apartment building where they lived, then apparently used the same knife to kill herself.

But it's not clear what caused the tragedy that played out over the weekend.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray says the 8-year-old boy was found late Saturday night outside the New Community Commons building. He was taken to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition Monday.

Murray says the body of 26-year-old Othelia Johnson was found late Sunday morning on a nearby street. An autopsy determined that Johnson died from stab wounds to the heart and left lung.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, but it appears Johnson's wounds were self-inflicted.

The child's name was not released due to his age.

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