2 people found dead in suspicious Bellerose, Queens home fire
BELLEROSE, Queens (WABC) -- Police are investigating after the bodies of a man and woman were discovered inside a home in Queens following a fire they believe to be suspicious.
Officials said the fire started just before 3:30 p.m. on Monday at a single-family home on 254th Street near 87th Drive in the Bellerose section.
NewsCopter 7 captured the quick response from the firefighters who got it out in less than an hour and found the bodies of a 77-year-old man, and 78-year-old woman.
Sources told Eyewitness News that the man and woman appeared to have been set on fire. They say the man's remains were found tied to a pole in the basement, and the woman was found somewhere else in the house.
Neighbors told Eyewitness News that the victims had lived there at least 40 years and raised a family. They said just the two of them were left and they seemed to take great care of their house.
"The nicest neighbors you can ever ask for," said neighbor John Ruiz. "My daughter just brought up, remember when they came out when the essential workers at 7 p.m., you know, during COVID, they were out with us. He would always wave to us. Just this past weekend, he waved to us. And, you know, it's sad."
The FDNY called the fire suspicious and did not offer the usual post-fire briefing for the public. Instead, they quickly sent in fire marshals to thoroughly investigate, while the NYPD Crime Scene unit waited for its turn to go through the scene Monday night, along with a team from the Office of the City Medical Examiner.
Detectives went to each home on the block looking for any video that might offer clues to move forward the investigation.
"I said, I don't have much to show you on the camera, but if any little bit will help," said neighbor Greg Roslonoski. "It didn't. It goes off at 5 a.m. But you can tell that there was more to it than just the fire they were looking for."
Arson investigators, and NYPD detectives are looking to determine how, why and who would attack the couple this way, in their home.
"I mean, that would be in the middle of the day. I'd be very shocked," Roslonowski said. "Looking at the flame, there had to be something that made it happen that fast."
The NYPD hasn't released the victims' names as the investigation continues.
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
