An 18-year-old Middletown woman and a her family dog were killed in a fire in her Neptune Place home early Tuesday morning, Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni said.

The victim, Aubree Larusso, was found dead in a bedroom off of the living room in her family’s home. A pet dog was also found dead in the home. Larusso’s mother, brother and a family friend escaped the blaze unharmed.

The background … 

At 6:43 a.m., the Middletown Police and Fire departments responded to a structure fire at 20 Neptune Place. After firefighters were able to get the fire under control, an on-scene investigation determined that the cause of the fire was accidental.

Fire departments from East Keansburg, Port Monmouth, Belford Engine, Belford Independent, Middletown Fire Co. 1 and Lincroft responded and assisted at the scene.

The investigation into the fire is being conducted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office and Middletown Police Department.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to assist the investigative team is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kevin Condon at 800-533-7443 or Middletown Police Detective Albert Scott at (732) 775-1996.