Fort Bend County: Intentional fire started at same home where Lamar CISD employee was killed, officials say
RICHMOND - Fort Bend County authorities have opened a criminal investigation into a fire that happened at the same home where a Lamar CISD employee was allegedly killed.
Rocky Knoll house fire
What we know:
The fire happened at a home in the 8900 block of Rock Knoll Lane in Richmond. Firefighters were called to the scene at about 10:30 p.m. on Friday.
No injuries were reported at the scene.
In a press release from the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office, officials said the fire was set intentionally. A criminal investigation is now open, and fire officials are working with the County Sheriff's Office.
What we don't know:
There is no information on how the fire started or who is suspected of starting the fire.
Lamar CISD employee killed
The backstory:
The same house was the scene of a deadly shooting that happened last Sunday. Neighbors near the home told FOX 26 that they heard shootings at about 12:30 p.m. that day.
When asked about the shooting, the Sheriff's Office sent FOX 26 a letter from Lamar CISD about an employee who was killed. According to the letter, Iona Pollard, an instructional coach at George Junior High School, was killed in "an incident involving her husband, David."
Lamar CISD gave this full statement below:
Dear Lamar CISD Community,
It is with profound sadness that I share with you a tragic loss that has deeply affected our district family. We have learned of the devastating incident involving two of our own, Iona and David Pollard. Iona Pollard, a cherished instructional coach at George Junior High School, was tragically killed in an incident involving her husband, David. This terrible event occurred outside of school grounds and is under investigation by local authorities.
Our thoughts are with Iona’s two children, who are also part of our Lamar CISD family. The loss of their mother and the circumstances of this tragedy are incredibly heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the Pollard children, their families, friends, and all who knew Iona, particularly her colleagues and students at George Junior High.
As a community, we must pull together to support one another in this time of grief. Counseling and support services are available for any student, staff member, or family needing assistance. Staff members may also contact EAP at 1-800-475-3327. We understand the emotional weight this places on our community and are here to provide care and support.
Please join me in keeping the Pollard family in your thoughts during this extremely challenging time. Let us give them the privacy and respect they need to navigate this tragedy and remind ourselves of the strength and compassion that define our community.
Thank you for your sensitivity and support.
Dr. Roosevelt Nivens
Superintendent, Lamar CISD
Lamar CISD instructional coach killed in incident
*NOTE: This video was uploaded on Feb. 9* An instructional coach with Lamar CISD has died after a shooting inside a Richmond home, according to officials. Iona Pollard, an instructional at George Junior High School, was killed in "an incident involving her husband, David."
Employee's husband charged
What we know:
David Pollard, Iona's husband and another Lamar CISD employee, is facing a murder charge for his wife's death, according to court documents.
Records show David was given a $300,000 bond after being charged with an unassigned felony charge of murder.
According to the district's website, David Pollard is a School Safety Coordinator with Lamar CISD.
What we don't know:
Law enforcement has not released any details on how David Pollard was involved in his wife's death.
Fort Bend County man accused of shooting, killing his wife
*NOTE: This video was uploaded on Feb. 10* A Lamar CISD employee is in custody after deputies say he shot and killed his wife at their Rosenberg home on Sunday.
Dig deeper:
RELATED: Lamar CISD employee faces murder charge for involvement in wife's death
RELATED: Lamar CISD instructor shot, killed in ‘incident involving her husband,’ officials say
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office and previous FOX 26 reports.