Wall Township Man Killed in Fire

Flames swept through a Wall Township home early Sunday, killing a Vine Street resident, according to authorities.

Although police have not released the victim's identity, neighbors told the Asbury Park Press the homeowner was 53-year-old Joel Coutinho, a lifelong resident and skilled carpenter.

Police, firefighters and first aid arrived around 1 a.m. and discovered the body after the blaze had been extinguished.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Wall Township Police Detective Bureau, The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, the county fire marshal, and the Wall Township Fire Prevention Bureau.