Silverton fire ruled aggravated arson, community doesn't believe it

SILVERTON, Ohio (WKRC) - People in a Silverton neighborhood said they are shocked to learn authorities are calling a fatal fire there arson.

The fire actually happened on Monday, and while the damage from the outside certainly doesn't look like much, it had fatal consequences.

One neighbor told us he heard crackling at about 7 a.m. on Monday. When he went outside, he found his neighbor, 81-year-old Donnia Barnes, severely burned and trying to get back inside the burning home. He led her away and called 911.

Another neighbor took her sister out the front. She is 85-years-old and is actually the owner of the home. The firefighters were able to put out the flames before they did too much damage to the house. But, three days later, Donnia died at UC Medical Center from her injuries.

Friday, the sheriff announced he is calling the fire aggravated arson - aggravated because of the death.

Neighbors tell us they don't buy it, and they believe it was probably just a kitchen fire like has happened several times in the past.

"She put aluminum foil in the microwave. So she ruined it," neighbor Tom recalls. "And she also burned several pans on the stove. So, we took the microwave, got rid of it, gave her another one. But she should never of been living alone."

And that's what is so sad here. These two sisters, both retired teachers, were not living alone. Donnia, the woman who died, had actually moved in a short while ago to take care of her older sister. Now we're told, the older sister is out of her home and in assisted living.

Investigators have not revealed what evidence they have regarding the arson. Local 12 plans on keeping up with this investigation.