Deadly Cypress house fire: 3 people found dead, signs of foul play suspected
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - The Harris County Sheriff's Office is investigating after three people were found dead following a house fire in Cypress.
According to officials, the fire sparked up around 7 a.m. in the 14600 block of Plain Rivers Drive.
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Harris County officials said three people were found dead inside the home, which were a mother, her son, and her son's partner. Investigators believe the victims died before the fire started.
"This is definitely a homicide, not accidental death due to fire and smoke inhalation," said Sergeant Michael Ritchie, of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Division.
Officials also said the bodies of the victims showed signs of foul play and trauma. They also believe some type of accelerant was used to purposely start the fire. They are not investigating the incident as a homicide and arson.
"Unfortunately, we’ve seen this before in homicide, where an individual will commit murder and then try to set a fire inside of the home to cover their tracks," said Sergeant Ritchie.
Photo from the scene where three people were killed in an early morning house fire in Harris County.
A neighbor from down the street said she woke up shocked to find emergency crews in front of her home.
"It's pretty quiet. Nothing ever happens here," said Maria Vazquez, a resident.
The neighbor said she was shocked to hear about the deaths so close to home.
"Oh, I feel so bad. My daughter feels horrible too," said Vazquez.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office crime scene units are surveying the area for evidence and surveillance video.
The exact cause of the fire and who started it is still being investigated. If anyone has information on the incident, they are urged to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office.