Deadly NJ home ‘explosion' was not accidental, police believe

UPDATE: The deaths of the woman and man have been ruled a murder-suicide. Latest details here.

Law enforcement officials in New Jersey have opened a criminal investigation into a devastating house fire -- which neighbors have called an explosion -- on Sunday that left two people dead and a house left as little more than a pile of debris in Washington Township.

Officials also said the county's coroner's office is still working and has not yet prepared an autopsy report on the two individuals -- a man and a woman -- who were pulled from the wreckage of the home.

The identities of the two individuals found in the property have not yet been revealed by law enforcement officials.

Neighbors, and a woman who he previously dated, identified the man who lived at the home as Daniel Steele.

"It’s an emotional roller coaster. I hurt for his whole family. I hurt for her family. I hurt for myself, because Dan was one of the best people I ever met," Steele's former girlfriend, Nicole Ruiz, told NBC10's Miguel Martinez-Valle.

Ruiz said that before Sunday's fire, Steele dropped his dog, Billy, off at her home, along with some dog food.

However, inside that food, Ruiz said, she found money.

Ruiz also said she received an email from Steele just minutes before the fire broke out.

The email, in part, read: "I am a terrible person. By the time you read this I won’t be alive. Billy loves you more than anyone I’ve ever seen. Take care of yourself. Love, me.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Intense fire destroys Washington Township home

On Sunday, the bodies of two people were removed from scattered debris after, neighbors claimed, a home exploded near the intersection of Orion Way and Tranquility Court in Washington Township at about 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Officials have said they consider the incident an "intense fire," not an explosion.

Still, neighbor Suzanne Pinto, who called 911 when the incident occurred, said she heard a blast and saw flames when the home was destroyed.

An investigation is ongoing and officials said they are waiting for the coroner's report before sharing any new information.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as soon as new information becomes available.