Arson Fire Set Days After Apparent Murder-Suicide

THORNVILLE, Ohio—A fire at the home where an apparent murder-suicide took place earlier this week was ruled arson Friday morning.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

Perry County sheriff’s deputies were called to 10734 Zion Road around 9:35 p.m. Tuesday on reports of a shooting. 

Grant Barnhart, 28, and Eva Barnhart, 19, were found fatally shot inside the home, the sheriff’s office said.

The married couple was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thornville fire was called out to the same address shortly before midnight Thursday.

Authorities said the mobile home was destroyed in the fire, and Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) investigators ruled it as an arson fire.

Specific details about how the fire was started will not be released in the ongoing criminal investigation.

Investigators said accidental causes were ruled out and evidence indicating the fire was intentionally set was found during the on-scene investigation.

SFM investigators were to meet with Perry County deputies Friday to review evidence and photos from the crime that occurred earlier in the week.

SFM investigators conducted the on-scene investigation last night and additional interviews were to be conducted Friday.

Anyone with information about the fire should call the Division of State Fire Marshal at 800-589-2728.

The sheriff’s office continued to investigate, too, and anyone with information on the apparent murder-suicide was encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 740-342-4123.

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