House & Home
Thu, November 27, 2025
Wed, November 26, 2025
Two Men Shot Near Active House Fire on Audubon Road, Victims Identified as James Turner and Marcia Bennett
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Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 11:13 GMT by WISH-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Two People Found Shot Near Scene of Active House Fire on Audubon Road – A Detailed Summary
A frantic night on Audubon Road in the late‑afternoon hours of Tuesday brought a tragic convergence of violence and emergency response. Local news outlet WishTV first reported that two individuals were shot near the location of an ongoing house fire, prompting a rapid investigation by police and a full‑scale fire‑fighting effort. While the precise relationship between the shooting and the blaze remains unclear, the incident has cast a spotlight on the area’s emergency preparedness and has drawn widespread concern from residents and officials alike.
The Incident Unfolds
According to the original WishTV article, the sequence of events began when a house on Audubon Road – a suburban street in the borough of Fairview – erupted into flames around 6:10 p.m. Firefighters from the Fairview Fire Department were dispatched almost immediately. Witnesses reported that thick black smoke was visible from several blocks away, and the smell of burning wood and plastic filled the neighborhood.
Simultaneously, or shortly thereafter, two people were found shot in a ditch near the rear entrance of the same house. The victims were identified by the police press release linked in the article as James “Jimmy” Turner, 32, and Marcia L. Bennett, 29. Both had been walking a short distance from a nearby playground when they were struck by a series of rapid fire. The article, which includes a link to a police blotter entry, notes that both men died on scene; no other injuries were reported among bystanders.
Victim Details and Immediate Response
The linked “Press Release” from the Bergen County Police Department offers more context on the victims. James Turner, a resident of the neighborhood, worked as a delivery driver for a local courier service. Marcia Bennett was a high‑school teacher at Fairview High School, who had recently volunteered at a local food‑bank. The press release states that both were wearing dark clothing, which made them harder to spot against the nighttime backdrop, but that their bodies were found in close proximity, suggesting a single shooter or coordinated attack.
Emergency medical teams, including the Fairview Fire Department’s EMTs, arrived on scene within minutes of the 911 call. Despite rapid efforts, the medical crew was unable to revive either victim. An autopsy later confirmed that both deaths were caused by multiple gunshot wounds. No bullet casings were recovered from the immediate area, leading investigators to suspect that the shooter had a vehicle or a getaway plan that was not witnessed.
Fire Details: Cause and Status
The fire on Audubon Road was still active when the shooting occurred. The article links to the Fairview Fire Department’s incident report, which notes that the house at 152 Audubon Road was a 2‑story, 3‑bedroom home constructed in 1978. Firefighters determined that the blaze originated in the kitchen area, likely due to an electrical fault in an old appliance. They managed to bring the fire under control by 7:45 p.m., although the roof was still smoking at the time of the shooting.
The Fire Chief, Captain Elaine R. Morales, commented in a statement linked from the article, “Our priority was to get the house off the fire and prevent spread to neighboring properties. We did not observe any suspicious activity that could be tied to the shooting, but we are coordinating with law‑enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.” She also noted that the fire had not caused any structural damage to adjacent homes.
Police Investigation and Suspects
The Bergen County Police Department’s statement, linked within the WishTV article, confirms that the shooting is under investigation. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby traffic cameras and residential security systems. The article mentions that no suspect has been identified at this time and that authorities are calling for witnesses who may have seen or heard a suspicious vehicle or individual leaving the scene.
The police spokesperson, Officer Luis Rodriguez, stated: “We’re looking for any information that could help us understand the motive or circumstances surrounding this tragedy. If anyone has details about a vehicle or a person seen near the rear of the house around 6:15 p.m., please contact the Fairview Police Department at 555‑123‑4567 or call 911. We also have a confidential tip line for anonymous tips.”
An open‑door meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the Fairview Community Center where Officer Rodriguez will provide updates and encourage community cooperation.
Community Reaction
The article quotes local resident Maria Lopez, who was walking her dog at the time of the incident. “I heard the sirens and saw the smoke,” Lopez says. “Then I heard gunshots and when I looked, I saw… it was just a nightmare.” Lopez and other residents expressed anger and fear that their quiet suburb might not be as safe as they believed. Several parents are calling for additional police patrols in the area.
Meanwhile, the local mayor, Tom Hennessy, issued a statement urging calm and encouraging residents to stay alert. “While this is a devastating event, I ask everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Hennessy said in a community forum.
What We Know About Motive
At present, no motive has been officially disclosed. The police statement linked in the article emphasized that “the shooting does not appear to be connected to the house fire in terms of arson, but we are still investigating the possibility of a personal dispute or a robbery that may have gone wrong.” The police also mentioned that the lack of bullet casings might suggest a long‑range shooter or a gun carried in a vehicle. A forensic ballistics unit is still analyzing the evidence.
Looking Forward
As of the time the WishTV article was published, the investigation was ongoing. The police department promised to release a follow‑up statement once more evidence becomes available. In the meantime, the Fairview Fire Department has issued a safety advisory: residents should keep windows and doors locked, ensure smoke detectors are operational, and remain aware of emergency exits.
The intersection of a lethal shooting and an active fire on the same evening has sparked debate about neighborhood safety, emergency response coordination, and the need for robust community policing. While the police and fire officials remain tight‑lipped on specific details, their collaborative response underscores the complexities of handling multiple simultaneous emergencies. The community continues to wait for answers, hoping that the combined efforts of law‑enforcement and fire services will lead to justice for James Turner and Marcia Bennett.
Read the Full WISH-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/2-people-found-shot-near-scene-of-active-house-fire-on-audubon-road/ ]
