Fire And Water

"COLUMBUS, OH — Columbus homicide detectives continued to investigate an apparent murder-suicide and two allegedly connected arsons.

"Columbus fire was called to the 8700 block of Scarsdale Boulevard close to 2:30 a.m.

"When firefighters arrived on the North Side scene, the home was engulfed in flames.

"The investigation took a turn after the fire was contained: Detectives said they think the fire was set intentionally to cover up a murder.

"A male suspect (also the homeowner) called police and said he shot a woman inside the Scarsdale Boulevard home and set it on fire, according to officials.

"CPD later identified the suspect as 39-year-old Edward L. Offord II.

"Fire crews found a woman’s body while fighting the flames. She apparently had been shot in the head.

"Detectives think Offord set fire to a home on the 5000 block of Charlbury Drive in Perry Township.

"Upper Arlington officials said that home belonged to the woman whose body was found in Offord’s home.

"Detectives eventually located Offord’s vehicle 10 miles north of the original scene, near the O’Shaughnessy Dam in Delaware County.

"Offord’s body and multiple firearms were found near the car, authorities said.

"Authorities haven’t identified the victim or released any details on the potential relationship between Offord and the woman.

"Authorities did say police have been to the Scarsdale Boulevard home before.

"`Patrol’s been up here numerous times for on different types of runs: domestic runs and disturbance runs,` Norman said."

Source: nbc4i.com...