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A tragic incident unfolded in Bellerose, Queens, on Monday (September 8) when a married couple was found dead in their burned-out home. The fire started around 3:30 p.m. and was extinguished in less than an hour by about 60 firefighters.
The victims, a 77-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman, were discovered by firefighters after they extinguished the flames. Medics pronounced the couple dead at the scene, and their identities are being withheld pending family notification.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the case as a suspected arson double homicide. The NYPD and fire marshals are working together to determine the cause of the fire and identify the perpetrator.
Surveillance footage captured a man in black near the crime scene. The suspect is described as a 30- to 40-year-old male with a dark complexion and medium build, last seen wearing a black hat, black jacket, black sneakers, and blue jeans.
Neighbors reported that the couple had lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years and were well-liked by the community.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional video footage or tips from the public to aid in their search for the suspect.