'Inconsistencies' in father's story about blaze
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Fire investigators told FOX 5 News they are investigating "inconsistencies" in statements made by the lone survivor of a Gwinnett County house fire that killed a mother and two daughters.
This announcement came the day after the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office said it is looking into inconsistent statements made by father Brent Patterson, about the night his wife and daughters were killed in a house fire.
“Our goal is to rule out potential ignition sources and to try and pinpoint an exact origin and cause of the fire,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. “The inconsistencies are not an indication of culpability, but rather complicate the progress of the investigation,” he said.
Fire officials would not elaborate on the nature of the inconsistencies in Patterson's statements.
On February 9, Kathy Patterson and daughters Kayla and Madeline died in a blaze inside their home on Pointer Ridge.
"As soon as I opened the door, it exploded. I did everything I could. There was nothing I could do," Patterson told FOX 5, the morning after the blaze.
Fire investigators would not say if they suspect foul play.
An official with Danny Porter's office would not elaborate on the nature of the statements, or the inconsistencies, but said they are working with arson investigators on the fire investigation.
Fire Investigators are now awaiting results of toxicology reports, and results from various labs and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials now confirm that during a search of the damaged property Thursday, investigators collected more evidence for analysis.