LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 51-year-old Lacey Township man killed his wife, his 7-year-old son and the family dog on Wednesday afternoon before he took his own life, according to authorities.

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Police Chief Michael C. DiBella said police responded to the home on Nautilus Boulevard at 4:02 p.m. for a report of a suspicious event. When officers arrived, they found the husband, his 48-year-old wife and the boy. The wife, the boy and the dog were all pronounced dead at the scene. The man, who had self-inflicted injuries, later died at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Coronato said.

The identity of the family has not yet been released. "At this time, out of family notification concerns, there will be no further information released today," he said. "The minute anything can be addressed, we will immediately provide an update."

The investigation is in its preliminary stages. There is no danger to the public, authorities said. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Major Crimes Unit, Lacey Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff's Office' CSI Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner's Office are all involved in the investigation.

Patch will update as soon as more information is available.