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Homicide Investigation Underway In Bergen County

WOOD-RIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Wood-Ridge police are investigating the death of a local businessman.

Family and friends of 39-year-old John Amendola told CBS 2's Dave Carlin they were stunned to see his home surrounded by investigators.

"He was lots of fun, outgoing. He was a really nice person," said family friend Lauren Siconolfi.

Police say Amendola was murdered inside.

"I didn't know him to have any enemies or anybody that didn't like him. He had a wonderful personality. He was a good-hearted person," Siconolfi said.

Neighbors say around 2 p.m. they heard a woman screaming, and shortly after Wood-Ridge police arrived at the small house on Union Avenue.

Those living closest to the home say they knew little about Amendola, who shared the home with his three dogs and apparently no one else.

"I saw him once in a while with the dogs out," neighbor John said. "He moved here six or seven years ago, something like that, and pretty much kept to himself."


Amendola grew up in nearby Hasbrouck Heights, has a twin brother, and owned an Italian restaurant on the town's main Boulevard.

Ruth Longo owns the Pizza shop next door and remembers when Amendola closed down his restaurant more than a year ago.

"Very, very nice, came from a loving family," she said.

Neighbors say soon after Amendola sold his business he tried unsuccessfully to sell his house. They were told by police there is a person of interest in the case and it was not a random killing, but police are not saying if they have a suspect in custody.

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