Shore deaths ruled murder-suicide

The New Jersey family of four found dead after a fire at their Long Branch home died in a murder-suicide, authorities said Friday.

The four were found dead in a second-floor bedroom of the home after a two-alarm blaze on Tuesday night. All had also suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said Friday that 35-year-old Lyndon "Shane" Beharry's gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

The deaths of 29-year-old Amanda Morris and the couple's sons, 7-year-old Brandon Beharry and 4-year-old Brian Beharry, have been ruled homicides, prosecutors said.

The fire that engulfed the family's home on Joline Avenue was intentionally set, authorities said.

Whether the victims died from bullet wounds or fire-related injuries has not been determined yet.

Relatives and friends told news outlets they were stunned by the deaths, calling the family friendly and caring.