Father, Michael Stasko, 'kills wife and daughter' in apparent murder suicide

The bodies of Michael Stasko, 53, his wife Melissa, 49, and daughter Nellie, 8, were found dead

The scene was sealed off by police (GETTY IMAGES)

Three people have been found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in a luxury apartment in New Jersey, authorities said.

The bodies of Michael Stasko, 53, his wife Melissa, 49, and daughter Nellie, 8, were found at the Windsor at Mariners Tower, a high-rise in Edgewater, according to Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli.

Mr Molinelli claims 52-year-old Michael Stasko shot his wife and daughter while they were in bed, before turning the gun on himself, according to the New York Daily News.

“We do not know at this point in time why Mr. Stasko shot his wife and daughter,” Mr Molinelli stated. “We don't know what perhaps was going through Mr. Stasko’s mind for him to do this.”

Investigators found presents neatly arranged beneath a Christmas tree, the prosecutor said.

Police discovered the bodies around 7pm on Friday after receiving a call from Mrs Stasko’s worried brother.

The investigation is on-going.