(Lawrenceville, Ga., July 5, 2016) – On the morning of Tuesday, July 6, 2016, it was learned through the media that demolition was occurring at the house where a mother and two-daughters died.  The fire department Public Information Officer responded to inquiries from reporters with the following statement:

“The fatal fire investigation is still active. Fire Investigators continue to review findings from lab results as they are received. Specific information based on those results is not available for release at this time due to the ongoing investigation. The department does not have a definitive timeline.  The demolition of the house is a matter between the property owner (Mr. Patterson) and the Insurance Company.  The fire department is not involved in the demolition of the house.”

As with any case that warrants such actions, the findings of the fire department’s investigation into the Pointer Ridge fatal fire will be turned over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is completed and the final report is written.  A timeline for that to occur has not been established based on continued activity in the case.

At this time, the Medical Examiner’s Office has determined the manner of death to be accidental for the three-victims.  The ME’s report is one-more piece of the puzzle that investigators have to work with as they put together the facts from toxicology reports, autopsies, lab and engineering results from both the public and private sector.  These findings are being reviewed by investigators, along with statements made by the lone survivor, Mr. Brent Patterson and the investigator’s observations made at the scene.  Subsequent follow-up is currently being conducted based on the items listed above.  Fire Investigators are continuing to work with other law enforcement agencies and the insurance industry.

The lab results and the status of the case are part of an ongoing investigation into whether any wrongdoing occurred, which contributed to the fire's ignition and rapid spread throughout the home.  Findings from lab results will not be made available for release until the investigation is completed.                          

The fire department’s desire from the beginning of the case has been to conduct a complete and thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the manner of death of three-victims.  We ask that the media and the public remain patient as the steps to bring the investigation to a close and to make known the truth in the matter are completed.