Cedar Grove ‘Murder Home’ Suffers Heavy Fire Damage In Blaze

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — A Cedar Grove home that was the site of a murder investigation nine years ago sustained heavy fire damage in a recent blaze, authorities say.

According to the Cedar Grove Police Department, the current owner at the Woodmere Road home called for help on Thursday morning. When police and fire responders arrived on the scene, they encountered heavy flames coming from the rear basement stairwell and side basement window.

Firefighters declared the blaze under control at 12:23 p.m., but the building sustained heavy smoke and flame damage, authorities said.

Nobody suffered injury during the incident, police stated.

The fire – which started in the basement of the home – appears to be accidental but the cause is still undetermined, police said.

The Montclair Fire Department, Verona Fire Department, North Caldwell Fire Department and Caldwell Fire Department assisted at the scene.

In 2008, the home was the site of a murder investigation when retired physician Eugene Hrabarchuck was discovered dead at the property, allegedly at the hands of his grandson, Stanton Popewiny.

Photo: Cedar Grove Police Department

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