TRUMBULL COUNTY Fatal house fire is ruled an arson

Firefighters say they have no suspects at this time.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A fire that killed two people on Ohio Avenue has been ruled an arson.
Fire Chief Ken Nussle said Friday that gasoline was found inside the home. Firefighters determined that the blaze started on the left side of a couch located along the north wall of the downstairs living room.
"The floor sample taken from the hardwood floor on the left side of the couch was sent to the crime lab in Reynoldsburg, Ohio," Nussle said. "This sample was analyzed and tested positive for gasoline."
The fire broke out around 2:29 a.m. April 23 in the first-floor living room of the two-story, wooden-frame home.
A 15-year-old boy, who was sleeping downstairs, was able to escape with minor injuries. His mother, Renae Martin, 39, and her father, Frederick Beasley, 87, were upstairs and unable to escape.
Firefighters found the bodies, near each other, in an upstairs bedroom.
"The preliminary cause of death was smoke inhalation due to the large amount of carbon monoxide found in the bloodstream," Nussle said.
No suspects
Jeff Koehn, fire investigator, said the 15-year-old boy is a witness but is no longer cooperating with officials.
"We have no suspects at this time," Koehn said.
Reward signs are being posted for any information leading to an arrest and conviction, Koehn noted. He added that reward can be up to $5,000.
"We are hoping with the reward being offered we will get some additional information," Koehn said.
Martin had three other children who were not at the house at the time, firefighters said.
The home was equipped with smoke detectors.
sinkovich@vindy.com