3 arrested in double homicide, fire in Tacoma

Tacoma police arrested three people Tuesday in connection with a house fire in the Lincoln District where two bodies were found.

A 32-year-old man was booked on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson. A 36-year-old woman was booked on suspicion of first-degree rendering criminal assistance. A 15-year-old boy was also arrested.

The News Tribune is not naming them because they have not been charged with a crime.

Pierce County prosecutors said they will review the case and making a charging decision Wednesday.

The fire in the 3700 block of South Yakima Avenue was reported about 2:45 a.m. Friday.

Firefighters arrived and found the home, which was undergoing renovation, engulfed in flames. After they extinguished the blaze, crews found two bodies inside.

“Through the investigation, it was determined to be a homicide, and the fire was intentionally set,” police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said.

The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Mary Buras, 22, and Theresa Greenhalgh, 31.

Police have not released details about the fire or the deaths. The Medical Examiner’s Office has not released what caused their deaths.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Buras’ funeral service said “she was a really caring, heartfelt person and always so upbeat and excited.”

The man arrested has seven prior felonies, including one for arson. He most recently pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Officers went to his sister’s house to arrest him on an outstanding warrant and found him in bed with a rifle and a handgun, records show.

This story was originally published January 10, 2017 at 3:18 PM with the headline "3 arrested in double homicide, fire in Tacoma."