Overview

• A deadly explosion and fire early Sunday in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been ruled a murder-suicide by the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
• Investigators found evidence of an accelerant and tampering with the home’s gas line to enable unrestricted natural gas flow, causing the explosion.
• The female victim suffered a fatal gunshot wound, classified as a homicide, while the male tenant’s death has been ruled a suicide by fire.
• Authorities have not officially released the victims’ names, but public records identify the tenant as 59-year-old Daniel Steele.
• A pre-fire email from Steele to a former partner hinted at suicidal intent, and investigators are continuing to search for a clear motive.