Woman Killed In Millburn Fire Identified

MILLBURN, NJ- Investigators are still searching for the cause of fire that claimed the life of one victim June 5, but the identity of the 63-year-old woman has been verified, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Millburn Police Chief Brian Gilfedder said that Justine Rizek, of Millburn, died in the fire.

The preliminary investigation indicates that approximately 4:58 p.m. on June 5 a fire broke out at
24 Norwood Terrace in Millburn. The victim was discovered in a second-floor bedroom in the
house. She was transported to St. Barnabas where she was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m.
yesterday. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined but the preliminary investigation suggests it was accidental, officials said.

There was a delay in formally identifying the victim because the victim lived alone, and it took
authorities some time to identify her next of kin, officials said.

While the cause of the fire has not been determined, News 12 reported that a "hoarding situation" made fighting the fire more difficult.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

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