Murder-suicide suspected after family pulled from burning home in Long Branch

Tragedy has struck in Long Branch, NJ. A fire that killed a family of four might be a murder-suicide, and not accidental as originally suspected.

All four family members — the father, Lyndon Beharry, 35; mother, Amanda Morris, 29, and their two children — Brandon Beharry, 7, and 4-year-old Brian –have all died, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

All four were found in the same second-floor bedroom, authorities said. The victims were taken to Monmouth Medical Center but all died despite life-saving methods.

The fire broke on before midnight on Joline Avenue also known as Route 36 in Long Branch.

Public Safety Director Jason Roebuck said police were the first to arrive at the home, but were overcome by smoke. The fire damaged the two-story home, which had visible damage to the windows and its roof.

The fire prompted a massive response from fire departments from Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sea Bright and neighboring towns.

The fire is under investigation by the city fire marshal and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office arson team.