A 64-year-old Jersey City man who was critically injured in a fire last week that is being investigated for arson has succumbed to his injuries.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The victim of last week’s apartment fire at the Berry Gardens Apartments, who has been
receiving treatment for his injuries at Jersey City Medical Center, has died, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said.
The victim, Leon Howard, 64, of Jersey City, was pronounced dead shortly before 2:00 p.m. yesterday.
The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
On Wednesday, December 8th, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Jersey City Fire Department
was notified of an alarm activation at the Berry Gardens Apartments located at 92 Danforth
Ave.
First responders to the area found an active fire located in apartment 206 and began fire suppression activities.
Howard was found inside his apartment at this time and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to JCMC for treatment.
A preliminary investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force has determined that the fire began in apartment 206 and the fire was contained to this apartment.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is pending.
The Regional Arson Task Force continues to actively investigate this incident with assistance from
the Jersey City Fire Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County
Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on their website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.
