Autopsy of Trenton Hostage Taker Released

An autopsy has determined that a hostage taker who barricaded himself and his girlfriend's children inside a home for 37 hours died of a gunshot wound to the head.

The state Division of Criminal Justice says Gerald Tyrone Murphy's autopsy was completed Sunday.

Murphy, a registered sex offender, was shot by state police early Sunday. Authorities say the decision to enter the Trenton home came after officials grew more concerned about Murphy's state of mind.

Authorities said Murphy killed his girlfriend and one of her children, then barricaded himself in the home with three of her other children after police went to the home to check on the girlfriend.

The Attorney General's office will review the shooting to determine if it was justified, which is routine procedure in such cases.

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