Police Investigating Mysterious Maplewood Deaths

Updated 11:00 a.m. March 14, 2012:

The bodies of a man and a woman have been found at 5 Northview Terrace in Maplewood and authorities are treating the deaths as suspicious.

Maplewood Police and the Essex County Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday afternoon that the bodies of the man and woman — whose age, identity and relationship were not released — were found at the same location. Police said the matter is being investigated by the prosecutor's office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force.

Authorities remained tight-lipped about details of the crime, including the relationship between the deceased and when the discovery of the bodies was made.

"There is no further information available at this time pending autopsy," said the prosecutor's office, in a written statement.

Public records reveal that the house is occupied by Sandra Flourney, 76, Brian Flourney, 52, and Dwayne Flourney, 26. Neighbors say Sandra Flourney was a teacher.

WABC Eyewitness News 7 is reporting that nearby residents said "there were problems with the grandson and that he had been kicked out numerous times." However, the Prosecutor's Office has not confirmed the names or ages of the deceased, nor has the Office stated that there was a crime or any suspects.

A Maplewood resident whose babysitter lives on the street emailed Patch to say, "It's a mixed neighborhood with a lot or people really struggling to make ends meet."

A neighbor on Millburn Avenue said she frequented the block in her proselytizing work as a Jehovah's Witness. "It's so quiet here!" she said. "It's just so sad." She said that she had never met the occupants of the house, but that the neighborhood was peaceful and friendly. The woman requested not to be identified for this story.

By 11 p.m., a single Maplewood Police car and officer remained parked outside the home, which was cordoned off with crime scene tape.

This is a developing news story. Stay tuned to Patch for further developments.