Retired New Jersey special education teacher killed by son and disposed of in trash chute, according to police.

A tragic incident unfolded in Miami Beach, Florida, where a retired New Jersey teacher was killed by her son, currently out on parole. The victim, Elizabeth Caruso, was discovered dead in a trash chute within the same apartment building owned by her son, Anthony Caruso, following a welfare check prompted by her son-in-law, according to reports from Media News Source.

On Sunday, Miami Beach police responded to the residence on Washington Avenue and found a gruesome scene. Investigators noted a distinct trail of blood leading from Anthony Caruso’s seventh-floor apartment to the building’s trash room. Upon entering the trash room, officers encountered bloodied walls and floors surrounding the trash chute. The situation escalated, prompting Miami Beach Fire Rescue to forcibly breach the door to gain access, where they ultimately discovered Elizabeth Caruso with severe injuries to her neck and multiple fractures across her head, face, arms, and hands.

The fatal confrontation initiated a lengthy standoff as Anthony Caruso barricaded himself inside the apartment. Swat teams and a Hostage Negotiation Unit were dispatched to the scene. Following several hours of attempts to negotiate his surrender, police utilized a K9 unit and a Taser to subdue him. He was subsequently treated at Mount Sinai Hospital for a bite wound to his arm and is now being held without bond following an initial court appearance.

Elizabeth Caruso had traveled to Florida to visit her son, who has a documented history of mental health challenges. At the time of the incident, he was on probation resulting from previous convictions, including aggravated assault, arson, and criminal mischief.

Before her untimely death, Elizabeth Caruso was a dedicated educator, having served as a special education teacher in the New Milford School District for 25 years before retiring in 2022. Peter Galasso, the Superintendent of Schools, expressed the community’s sorrow over her death, highlighting her legacy of commitment and care for her students. He remarked that Elizabeth left behind a profound impact, characterized by the respect of her colleagues and the deep affection of the countless families she had influenced over her career.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this harrowing event as the community mourns the loss of a respected teacher and caring individual.