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Vinton County Fatal Fire Ruled Arson


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Investigators are offering reward money to anyone with information about a Vinton County fatal fire they have ruled an arson.

According to Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal spokesman Shane Cartmill, evidence from the February 8 fire suggests the blaze was intentionally set. Debris from the fire was analyzed at the Fire Marshal's Forensic Laboratory.
 
Cartmill says the death of Thomas Hagerty, 59, is now considered a homicide.
 
Officers received a call a little before 6 a.m. reporting the house at 59973 US Highway 50 near McArthur was on fire.
 
Investigators say a car was seen in the area just prior to the fire. It is a dark-colored car with three brake lights, including one in the rear window.
 
A Blue Ribbon Arson Reward of up to $5,000 is being offered. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fire Marshal's Office at 1-800-589-2728 or the Vinton County Sheriff's office at 740-596-5242.