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Woman Found Dead Inside Union, N.J. Home

UNION TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS 2) -- A brutal murder has left a New Jersey neighborhood on edge.

A woman was found dead inside her own home. CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez reports the victim's grieving family is struggling for answers.

The family of Diane Zaleski gathered at her parent's Union home Thursday night, trying to come to grips with her violent murder. Zaleski's brother-in-law said the family had just spoken to her Wednesday night.

"We're in a state of shock at this moment. It escapes us how this senseless act of violence occurred," her brother-in-law said.

Detectives were collecting evidence at Zaleski's Laurana Road home, where her parents had earlier discovered her body.

"They hadn't heard from her and they went into the house and they found her in the home," Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said.

Investigators said 54-year-old Zaleski suffered multiple injuries. While they're still trying to figure out a motive, prosecutors don't believe it's robbery, and they said it wasn't a random crime.

"I can't discuss what was used. I can tell you that we believe that this was an isolated situation, so there should be no fear by other residents within the township," Romankow said.

Neighbors, however, were still nervous, wondering why someone would want Zaleski dead.

"She was the type that would buy a coat for a homeless person or buy them dinner or give them money. She was just so good hearted," the brother-in-law said.

Anyone with information is urged to call Union County Crimestoppers at 908 654-TIPS.

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