For Immediate Release:
October 14, 2023

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announces the following updated information regarding an investigation into an apartment fire on Rennie Place in Lodi, NJ, that occurred on Friday, October 13, 2023. An investigation is being conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love and the Lodi Police Department under the direction of Chief Donald Scorzetti.

On Friday, October 13, 2023, at approximately 8:02 a.m., the Lodi Police Department responded to a fire alarm emanating from a Rennie Place apartment. Upon entry, first responders located 100-year-old Judy Reifel, who was unconscious and in critical condition. She was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where she ultimately died from the injuries she sustained in the fire.

A preliminary investigation has determined that the fire was accidentally set and does not appear to be suspicious. Prosecutor Musella would like to thank the Lodi Police Department, the Lodi Volunteer Fire Department, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.