Mother, young son killed in suspicious fire in Egg Harbor, N.J.

EGG HARBOR, N.J. (WPVI) -- A mother and her young son were found dead inside a burning home in South Jersey, and officials now say it is suspicious.

Neighbors are stunned by the tragedy and an intense investigation is underway to find out how this deadly fire began.

Investigators and arson dogs canvassed the burned out home and surround neighborhood looking for clues in the suspicious fire that sparked around 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Shortly after getting the call firefighters arrived at the home on Washington Avenue and got the blaze under control. In the back of the home they found the mother and son dead.

A third victim, who survived the fire, was hospitalized.

Police say the man, who is believed to be the deceased woman's boyfriend, was conscious and talking to responders as he was about to be transported to the hospital.

Egg Harbor City Police Sgt. Dylan Hutton explains, "I don't want to put words into his mouth because I didn't hear what he said, but he was claiming someone broke into the house."

The home sits on a well-kept block.

Christmas decorations adorn the front of the home.

Neighbors say the mother and her son would often play in the front yard, and they were genuinely nice people. They can't understand why someone would want to hurt them.

Debrorah Langford lives nearby. She says, "To have this happen, it's very devastating. And I hope they catch the person who did this."

Another neighbor, Kateland Johnson, tells us, "She was like me a good mom... Just cared about her kids."

The lone survivor we are told is in stable condition. Police say they have yet to formally interview him, and at this point they have no suspects.

Action News is told the young boy was a second grade student at Spragg Elementary. We spoke with the superintendent who explains that the school district has reached out to all parents and students with a letter and a phone call. She says grief counselors will be made available on Thursday.