Camden candidate says in statement that she will not discuss parents' tragic deaths

New Jersey state Sen. Dana Redd, who recently announced her candidacy for mayor of Camden, yesterday issued a statement about the deaths of her parents in 1976.

The Daily Newsreported yesterday that Ronald Redd, a union leader at Campbell Soup Co., allegedly shot his wife, Brenda, then shot himself in a Burlington County hotel room on July 22, 1976.

Sen. Redd, who had declined to comment for the article, said in her statement that the issue was "deeply personal" and something she doesn't discuss. "I never understood then and expect I will never fully understand it," she said.

Redd, who also serves as vice president of Camden City Council, added: "Unfortunately, my family's tragedy is not unique. There are families throughout this city who suffer similar and even worse tragedies.

"I have been fortunate. God has blessed me with a loving grandmother, loving friends and a community that enveloped me and my brother with their love and protection. Others haven't been so fortunate. They all need our help."