Fire investigators now believe arsonists were behind a fast-moving apartment fire that killed a lesbian couple in Erie, Pennsylvania. The couple had six children and luckily none were home at the time of the blaze.
Gwyneth Henry and Tyreesha Richardson were together for more than ten years. Their badly burned bodies were found in their home's attic Sunday morning after the suspicious fire. Investigators have found an accelerant and fuel vapors, reports CBS3.
"City fire inspector Guy Santone says he has also found no clear evidence of electrical or mechanical problems, but says more tests are needed to finally determine the cause of Sunday's fire. Thirty-one-year-old Tyreesha Richardson, and 43-year-old Gwyneth Henry, died in the fire. The women had lived together for years in the upstairs apartment in a home. Their three children and a tenant in another apartment downstairs weren't home at the time. Nobody has been charged in connection with the fire. County detectives detailed Santone's findings in a search warrant. Santone found fuel vapors near a door and four steps leading to the apartment."
Henry had an 11-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 21 and 23. Richardson had three daughters, ages 11, 10 and 8, as well as a 13-year-old son, reports the Erie Times-News.
A memorial and benefit were held on Friday. "More than 200" friends and neighbors attended and donated food, clothing and money. "Anything we could do to help out,'' said Raymond Basham, "who donated 10 bags of children's clothes, blankets and toiletries. 'Gwen and Tyreesha were good people. They were truly loved.' "
More developments on the investigation as it unfolds ...
That is absolutely horrifying.
Posted by: libhomo | 31 July 2010 at 13:23
Profoundly sad, and I hope it was just a horrible accident and not a crime.
Posted by: Taylor Siluwé | 31 July 2010 at 13:41
@ Taylor: I think you just said it best.
Posted by: Trey | 31 July 2010 at 17:18
Truly sad indeed... I can't imagine what it must feel like to go about your daily life knowing you just took the life of another...
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 01 August 2010 at 01:20
Stay classy, straight folks.
Stay classy.
Posted by: Jill | 02 August 2010 at 10:57
Feel bad for the kids, real bad losing their parents and like that. I agree with Taylor I hope it was just a terrible accident and not a crime. However, if it was a crime targeted at this couple they will get what's coming to them.
Posted by: DT | 04 August 2010 at 19:35