Fatal NJ House Fire Ruled a Homicide

Officials say 74-year old woman killed in suspected murder-arson

The death of New Jersey woman known for community involvement is being investigated as a homicide.

The body of Joan Davis, 74, was found last night after a fire broke out inside her Teaneck home.

Investigators believe the fire at Alpine Drive home may have been set intentionally. The blaze broke out around 11 p.m., fire officials said.  Firefighters found Davis' lifeless body inside a smoke-filled bedroom.

She was pronounced dead a short time later. Sources tell NBCNewYork the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

She was a retired Fairleigh Dickinson University professor and active in local politics, neighbors said.  Neighbors also said that she went to almost every city council meeting. 

A publised report on the Webiste NorthJersey.com said Davis is believed to be the same candidate who ran unsucessfully for council in 1995, 1996 and 1998. 

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