By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has released updated information regarding an ongoing investigation into a tragic apartment fire that unfolded on Rennie Place in Lodi, New Jersey, on Friday, October 13, 2023.
The investigation is being jointly conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the guidance of Chief Jason Love, and the Lodi Police Department, led by Chief Donald Scorzetti.
Official said on that fateful morning of October 13, at approximately 8:02 a.m., the Lodi Police Department responded swiftly to a fire alarm emanating from an apartment on Rennie Place.
As first responders entered the building, they discovered 100-year-old Ms. Judy Reifel in an unconscious and critical condition.
She was immediately transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, but tragically succumbed to the injuries sustained in the fire.
A preliminary investigation has determined that the fire was accidental in nature and does not appear to be of suspicious origin.
Prosecutor Musella expressed gratitude to the Lodi Police Department, the dedicated volunteers of the Lodi Volunteer Fire Department, and the support provided by the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office during the course of this investigation.
While the investigation continues to unfold, the community mourns the loss of Judy Reifel, a centenarian who tragically lost her life in the midst of the apartment fire.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to her family during this difficult time.