Prosecutor: Long Branch teen shot victims at close range

FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP) — Prosecutors say four people slain by a boy in a New Jersey shore town on New Year's Eve were shot multiple times at close range.

A 16-year-old has been charged in the killings of his parents, his sister and a family friend. Three other people who were in the house in Long Branch escaped unharmed.

Prosecutors say the rifle used in the killing had a 15-round magazine and was bought legally by another family member.

An initial court appearance the teenager was supposed to make on Tuesday was postponed a day as the judge weighed a request by a media organization to open the proceeding to the public.

Authorities haven't disclosed a motive but have said they will seek to move the case to adult court. Prosecutors haven't identified the boy because of his age.