Authorities investigating fatal house fire in Charlotte County

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House fire
Police presence for a house fire alongside Asuncion Drive in Punta Gorda early Thursday morning. Credit: WINK

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the fire marshal are investigating a deadly house fire that occurred in Punta Gorda.

CCSO and Charlotte County Fire Department responded to 26380 Asuncion Dr., east of Kings Highway at approximately 12:45 a.m., Thursday.

Manena Harper, a neighbor, saw all the police activity, and her mother-in-law noted how suspicious it all appeared to be.

“You know, she was like, There’s something strange going on,” Harper said. I didn’t know what it was.”

In a video on Facebook, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said deputies spoke to three people who were inside the home who told them there was an “altercation.” All three were later transported to a local hospital for injuries and smoke inhalation.

“Upon entry into the residence,” continued Prummell, “another body was found inside the house. It is alleged that the decedent is the one who actually started the fire and was the aggressor in this case.”

Harper only offered compassion for her neighbors.

“I’m so sad for the family,” she said. “That’s tragic … Say Happy Thanksgiving, and let’s send all of our love and blessings to this family that’s not having such a good thing.”

The state fire marshal will help investigate the fire, while CCSO will investigate the death.

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