Newark, N.J. ? Three people were shot to death and two others were wounded Saturday in what authorities say was a targeted attack at an apartment.

Authorities responding to reports of gunfire about 4:30 a.m. in the city’s Vailsburg section discovered the three dead in the apartment, which was engulfed in flames. They had been shot multiple times.

Killed were Sandra Bellush, 42, a tenant in the apartment; Brielle Simpkins, 15, of Elizabeth; and Eric Jackson, 19, of Newark.

Authorities also found a 17-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man at the building, but it was not clear if they were in the apartment. They were identified only as Newark residents.

Authorities said they believed the shootings were carried out by more than one assailant. The victims did not appear to be related by blood, they said.

A dog and a cat also were shot to death, Dow said.