17-year-old charged after allegedly stabbing his mother to death in Mays Landing, NJ

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (WPVI) -- A 17-year-old is being charged in connection with the death of his mother in Atlantic County.

According to police, the Hamilton Township Police Department received a 911 call just after 6 p.m. Saturday in reference to a juvenile male in possession of a knife.

Police responded to the residence in the Meadowbrook Condos in Mays Landing.

Upon arrival, officers located 49-year-old Julissa Serrano, who had suffered multiple stab wounds.

She was transported to AtlantiCare Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

"It's one of those things where you never know what's happening behind closed doors," said neighbor Kaitlyn Scardino.

Action News has learned that Serrano worked as a home health aide for Journey Hospice South Jersey in Egg Harbor Township. A manager there said Monday she'll be "deeply missed."

Authorities have charged Serrano's 17-year-old son with murder, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

His name has not been released, and he's being held in the Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center pending a court hearing.

Neighbors watched the police response and were shocked when they learned the allegations.

"We went out and sat in her car and then she seen the boy getting arrested," said neighbor Beverly Groeber. "I just feel bad. For everybody. For the whole family. It's horrible."

Authorities have not released any information on a motive or what happened in the hours before the stabbing.

Hamilton Twp. police referred all inquiries to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.

The prosecutor said no further information is being released because the suspect is a juvenile.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office's Major Crime Unit at 609-909-7666.