According to the investigation, the women noticed several items from their shed strewn around the back yard. When the women went into the yard to investigate and approached the shed, a man later identified as Morgan Mesz, 25, of Union Township emerged and stabbed both women several times.

"This act of selflessness and bravery is commendable," said Romankow. "Without Mr. Agudelo's brave actions this situation could have been much worse."

The victims were taken to University Hospital in Newark. The first, a 53-year-old woman is currently listed in critical condition. The second, 50-year-old woman was undergoing surgery for her wounds as of this afternoon. Both female victims remain  hospitalized in critical condition.

Members of the Prosecutor's Office and Union Township Police Department continue to examine evidence and gather statements. A motive for the attack has not yet been established.

Mesz was also taken to University Hospital for injuries and is currently in police custody. He has been charged with three counts of attempted murder.

Bail has been set by Superior Court Judge Joseph Donoghue at $1.5million.

The road to recovery

Carolyn got up and let her dog Tucker out through the sliding door which goes onto their deck and into their fenced in back yard. Carolyn saw some things that belonged in her shed, scattered around the yard. She walked out to see what was going on, and from inside the shed lunged a man with a Knife and Tomahawk swinging at Carolyn. Barbara heard Carolyn screaming and ran outside to help. The man proceeded to attack both of them - cutting and slashing at them multiple times. A neighbor heard the screaming of these two ladies and rand over with a base ball bat to help. Police arrived and the man was arrested and the girls were taken to a trauma hospital.

Both girls were in ICU for 3 weeks and now are in a rehab for approximately 4 to 6 months.

Carolyn suffered blows to her mouth, jaw and head multiple times. Also, she was struck in the main artery in her neck. After multiple surgeries and 24 units of blood she is improving tremendously.

Barbara suffered a blow to her face, head, arm and body. They had to make a full frontal incision to repair the internal injuries and hemorrhaging.  They then had to pack her body until they could stop the bleeding enough to do the repair work. The next day they were able to close up her chest and the day after - her abdomen. After multiple surgeries and 30 units of blood she is still in a heavy medical sedation.

Both girls had wonderful jobs with insurance but as you all know, insurance doesn't cover nearly all the major expenses they will be facing. Besides their lives being changed forever and a tremendous long road to recovery -  they will end up with incredible medical and overall expenses

We are asking everyone to forward this e-mail to all your friends, family, peers and everyone you can think of. 

If everyone donated $10.00 (more if possible), we are hoping by the sheer volume of kind-hearted, caring people in everyone's lives, the girls will have one less thing to worry about and allowing them to concentrate on their recovery.

Your gift to the girls is not a tax deductible donation - It's strictly a gift to help them. 

    -   "Sent with Love for Barbara and Carolyn"

Thanking EVERYONE in advance