BAYONNE FATAL FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE HUDSON COUNTY REGIONAL ARSON TASK FORCE

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has released the following information:

The initial investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force has determined that the fire that claimed the life of a 98-year-old Bayonne woman Sunday night does not appear suspicious at this time, however, the cause remains under investigation.

On Sunday, May 17, 2020, shortly after 6:15 p.m. the Bayonne Fire Department responded to a report of fire at 18 E. 16th Street. Upon arrival, members of the Bayonne Fire Department located and extinguished the fire in the home, which was brought under control at 7:01 p.m.

While containing the fire, the firefighters rescued two adult females and later located a deceased female with apparent injuries caused by the fire. The fire victim, who was later identified as Maria Teti, age 98, of Bayonne, was pronounced dead at the Bayonne Medical Center at 6:42 pm. Cause and manner of death are pending with the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

The preliminary investigation has determined that the origin of the fire was the first floor living room.

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is actively investigating this case with assistance from the Bayonne Fire Department and the Bayonne Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave a tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.