Couple, dog found apparently shot to death; 2nd dog wounded

Authorities say a couple and one of their dogs were found dead of apparent gunshot wounds in a Middlesex County home on Christmas Eve.

Police and prosecutors said 55-year-old Thomas Vuocolo and 47-year-old Cindy Marcinczyk were found dead at about 9 p.m. Sunday in their home in the Cliffwood Beach section of Old Bridge Township.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey said in a statement that the investigation is ongoing but "law enforcement has determined that there is no outstanding threat to the public." Autopsies by the county medical examiner are planned.

Officials did not say if the deaths were related to a murder-suicide situation.

Old Bridge police said a dog was also found dead and a second dog that sustained a gunshot wound was taken to an animal hospital and is recovering.

Neighbors tell News 12 New Jersey that the couple lived in the home for years and that they were often seen out and about with their dogs.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Belgio of the Old Bridge Police Department at 732-721-5600 ext. 3141, or Detective Abromaitis of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4436.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.