Grand Jury Investigates Fire That Killed 3
By Brian Maass
ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4)- A CBS4 Investigation has learned that a Jefferson County grand jury is now examining a fatal fire at an Arvada group home in May.
Pam Russell, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County District Attorney, confirmed the grand jury investigation Tuesday afternoon.
"When looking at the evidence we had, this was the most appropriate way to proceed," said Russell.
The home, at 6152 Robb Street in Arvada, burned in the early morning hours of May 14. Investigators have not said what caused the fire. Three people inside died of smoke inhalation.
The Jefferson County coroner identified one of the victims as Tanya Marie Bell, 39, and a second adult who died was identified as Cristina Covington, 24. A 4-year-old girl also died in the blaze. Seven people were inside including a family and two developmentally disabled people.
The home is owned by Parker Personal Care Homes, which specializes in programs for the developmentally disabled.
Russell said that after the Arvada fire and police departments presented their findings to the DA's office, prosecutors opted to ask a grand jury to look at the case to see if criminal charges are or are not warranted.
"In this case we believe we need to go this additional step and present it to the grand jury," said Russell.
Russell declined to provide further details citing grand jury confidentiality but said a criminal component could not be ruled out.
Russell said the grand jury meets twice a month. She said she had no timeline on how much longer the grand jury might need to investigate the case.
CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.
