A Jan. 4 house fire on Prentiss Bridge Road where two people were found dead has been determined to be a murder-suicide, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office stated on Friday, Jan. 19.
“Upon further investigation, it has been determined that the incident is believed to be a murder-suicide, with one victim sustaining multiple stab wounds,” MCSO stated. “Preliminary investigations point toward arson as the cause of the fire.”
MCSO and the State Bureau of Investigation have been investigating the incident.
First responders to a fully involved structure fire around 6 p.m. on Jan. 4 found Irene Witherspoon, age 77, and Nathaniel Witherspoon, 75, dead at the home, located at 796 Prentiss Bridge Road. The interior of the house and two vehicles were a total loss.
MCSO confirmed that Irene was the murder victim who sustained multiple stab wounds.
The MCSO statement did not disclose further details “out of respect for the privacy of the families and sensitivity of the situation.”
A complete autopsy with toxicology reports won’t be available for several months.
“In the wake of the recent fire that claimed the life of at least one individual and led to the discovery of the body of another, we extend our deepest condolences to the affected families and the community,” MCSO stated. “Our hearts go out to those who are grieving during this difficult time.”
MCSO stated this is an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the surrounding community.