2018 News Release

State Police and Burlington County Prosecutor Announce the Arrest of Mahwah Couple for Murder of their Infant Son

Mahwah, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police have arrested William Herring, 42, and Brianna Brochhausen, 22, both of Mahwah, N.J., for the murder of their 4-month-old son who suffocated on a bed in a motel room in Springfield Township, Burlington County.

On February 14, Springfield Township Police responded to a motel on Route 68 for the report of a child that had stopped breathing.  When police and paramedics arrived, they discovered the child, Hunter Brochhausen, lying on the bed unresponsive.  Hunter was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he remained until he was removed from life-support on March 3.

Detectives from the State Police Homicide South Unit and the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office determined that Herring and Brochhausen were frustrated because Hunter would not stop crying, so they decided he needed to be placed in a “time out.”  He was positioned on his stomach on the bed, and the comforter was pulled over him, covering his head and entire body. The parents then went outside to smoke cigarettes, returning to the room approximately 10 minutes later, where they discovered that Hunter was not breathing and was unresponsive. Herring and Brochhausen were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child on March 9.  They were lodged in Burlington County Jail and later released after a detention hearing.

After a five-month long investigation, additional charges were authorized by Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina.  On Monday, July 16, State Police detectives, with the assistance of Mahwah Police Department, located Herring and Brochhausen at their home in Mahwah and arrested them without incident.

“The thoughtless actions of these individuals ended up costing a defenseless 4-month-old infant his life,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police.  “I commend the
detectives of our Homicide South Unit and Criminal Investigation Office for their commitment and dedication to finding justice for Baby Hunter.”

“The responsibilities of becoming a new parent can sometimes be overwhelming,” said Scott Coffina, Burlington County Prosecutor.  “Those who find themselves at a point of crisis when caring for a newborn child should know that help is available, and they must seek that help rather than taking actions that might harm their child.”

William Herring and Brianna Brochhausen were both charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder.  They were lodged in the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing.  The case is being prosecuted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges are mere accusations and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

William Herring

Brianna Brochhausen

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