DRYDEN TWP. (WWJ) – Police officials in Lapeer County say a mobile home explosion and fire that left four people dead last month is now being investigated as an arson and murder-suicide.
Dryden Township police officials say evidence shows 39-year-old Candice Turton set the fire at the home in the Victoria Meadows Mobile Home Park on March 21 that claimed the lives of four family members.
Turton, 87-year-old grandmother, Zola Rogers and teenagers Nathan and Kylie Young – who were Rogers’ great-grandchildren – all died in the fire.
Authorities had not released much information about the fire, but on Wednesday, said it appears Turton set the fire on purpose.
Police officials have not said whether any of the victims were killed before the fire was set. Turton is believed to be the lone suspect in the case, and there is not believed to be any threat to the community.
Due to the seriousness and complex nature of this case, police officials had not released many details prior to Wednesday. That was “not effort to be non-transparent,” police officials said. This was “solely intended so that the department could conduct a thorough investigation and be factual and accurate on information that was obtained and released.”
Police officials say the families of the victims have requested privacy as the investigation continues.
Michigan State Police assisted authorities in Dryden during the investigation. Dryden Township police are still awaiting final reports from other agencies and lab analyses before a report will be submitted to the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office.
On the day of the fire, neighbors told WWJ they heard an explosion before the mobile home went up in flames. Consumers Energy officials said at the time it did not appear to be a natural gas-related explosion.
Authorities have still not said what led to the explosion.
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