This story gives a few additional details and conflicts with other stories in saying that the jewelry was still in the house, thus making robbery less likely as a motive. So does, for that matter, “ritualistic cutting of the throats.”
From the Assyrian International News Agency, with thanks to Anthony:
The father, Hossam Armanious, 47, was found dead in his bedroom. His wife, Amal Garas, 37, was found dead in an adjoining room. Their daughter Sylvia, 15, was found in her bedroom. Little Monica, 8, lay dead in the bathroom.
All the victims were bound before being killed by knife wounds, including apparent ritualistic cutting of the throats.
While police have not identified any suspects, many believe the Coptic Christian family were slaughtered by Muslim extremists over comments Hossam Armanious made in an Internet chatroom.
Authorities confirmed that a large amount of jewelry was found in the house , and that there was no evidence of a break-in. This would seem to reinforce the theory that motivation for the grusome slaughter was personal and not robbery.
“We continue to review several theories,” First Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor Guy Gregory said. “Our goal is to identify the killers. We believe that when the killers are identified, the motive for this wanton and vile crime will be revealed.”