BY PAUL KAMPE
Clarkston News Staff Writer
What started as a simple call to check on a family member recently ended in what is described as a murder-suicide-arson investigation in Indpendence Township.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Howe responded to a call to check on a Westview Road woman. late Saturday night, around 10 p.m.
Upon his arrival, Howe smelled gasoline being used in the home and heard the sound of splashing of liquid. Howe reported then seeing flames shoot two to three feet into the air as the home was set on fire.He was ordered not to enter the home.
Independence Township Fire Department responded almost immediately according to the sheriff’s reports, later making the discovery of two deceased bodies. Those of the woman Howe was sent to check on and her husband.
The woman sufferred blunt force truama to the head prior to the fire and the man died of smoke inhalation from the fire.
The woman’s mother was caring for the children of the couple out of state at the time of the incident.
She became concerned for her daughter’s safety because she had not heard from her, and she believes that the couple was having marital problems.
Independence Township OCSD Substation Comander Lt. Dale Labair responded to the scene also and later turned over the case to the Special Investigations Unit.