A fire early Monday in a St. Louis suburb claimed the lives of a woman and four children, according to CBS News.

The fire broke out at a residence in Ferguson at 4:23 a.m., and local firefighters were immediately called to the scene. Sergeant John Johnson, a St. Louis County police representative, confirmed that five bodies were found inside the home. Tracy Panas. The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially revealed. However, they are believed to be a mother and her four children. Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire and suspect criminal activity, CBS News reported. said.

Three dogs were also lost in the tragedy, but some animals, including rabbits and chickens, were rescued by animal rescue teams, CBS News reported. Sergeant Panus said there was evidence at the scene that raised questions. The St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit was called to assist in the ongoing investigation. (Related: Report: Cocoa Brown forced to evacuate with children, pets in fire that quickly engulfed entire home)

Neighbors identified the victims as Bernadine Prusner and her four children, but formal confirmation is pending. “We're very proud of him,” said Prusner's father, Cordell Beach. After being sent to St. Louis. “She was a wonderful person,” Beach said. “She was in early childhood education and did great things with her children. They were very bright.” Beach also said her daughter lived in the home mentioned above for about five years. He admitted that he was.

Prusner was working as an assistant professor at Lewis & Clark Community College as he neared completion of his doctorate in early childhood education, his father said after he was sent to St. Louis.

The Ferguson Police Department expressed its condolences and called for community unity during this difficult time. “Our hearts are heavy tonight,” Ferguson police said in a statement. statement. “Please keep this family, our first responders, and our community in your prayers as we all grapple with this terrible tragedy. Thank you to all of our respondents and support teams for their cooperation. ”