The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said the male 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.
Officials say, Mr. Leon Howard, 64, was pronounced dead shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13.
On Wednesday, December 8, 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 Avenue in Jersey City.
First responders to the area found an active fire located in Apartment 206 and began fire suppression activities.
Officials said 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 was contained to this apartment.
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is pending.
The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Regional Arson Task Force continues to 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 the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.