GIG HARBOR, Wash. — A “suspicious fire” in Gig Harbor, where two people were found dead, has now been officially deemed a homicide by the medical examiner.
On April 8, a newly-rented home on 14th Ave NW in Gig Harbor caught fire. Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion in that area when the fire was reported.
When deputies arrived to the fire, it was fully engulfed in flames.
By the time the fire was put out, two people were found dead inside.
Speculation online tossed around ideas of a murder-suicide, or death as a result of the fire.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that both individuals were killed by gunshot wounds to the head.
Both of their manners of death were deemed homicide-- a suicide was not listed. Therefore, they were killed before the fire was set, not died as a result of the fire.
The victims are a 31-year-old and a 64-year-old. Their relationship is unknown.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said they are not changing anything with their investigation because they were treating it as suspicious from the get-go.
These two deaths make 11 homicides for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office this year. According to deputies, this time last year, there were only four homicides and 19 total for the year.
“These are concerning numbers since we are not even halfway through the year,” said PCSO public information officer Carly Cappetto.
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