Son and woman die in fire after breaking into parents’ home, SC officials say
A son was among two people who died in a fire after a break-in at his parents’ home, South Carolina officials say.
His parents were on vacation when firefighters started battling flames at their burning home early Saturday, the Anderson County coroner’s office said in a news release.
Firefighters spoke to the residents, who told them “there were no people at the house, only two pets,” the release said.
Officials say the fire later reignited at the house, located in the town of Pelzer and roughly 16 miles southwest of Greenville.
“Firefighters returned to the scene and while hosing down some hot spots, they discovered a body,” the news release from Coroner Greg Shore’s office said.
After learning two people had gone into the house, investigators found another body, according to the release.
The people were identified as Charles Edward Tate Jr., 29, and Christine Ann Bagwell, 21.
Tate’s parents lived in the house, but he and Bagwell “were not supposed to be in the residence,” the coroner said.
Officials say the two forced their way inside.
They died of smoke inhalation and “illicit drug abuse also appears to be a contributing factor in the deaths,” according to Shore’s office.
Anderson County officials are investigating, but there are no signs of foul play, according to the coroner’s office.
