Cause of fire that killed Huber Heights family of 3 ‘undetermined’

The official cause of a Huber Heights apartment fire where three family members were found dead Sept. 12 has been ruled undetermined, but officials believe they know the source.

PREVIOUS REPORT: 3 bodies found in Huber Heights apartment after unreported fire

“(The investigation) is giving us every indication of a kitchen fire, but the official cause will be undetermined,” said Huber Heights Fire Department Administrative Battalion Chief Keith Knisley.

According to a Huber Heights fire report, investigators determined the fire started in the kitchen near the range. The kitchen and dining room were significantly damaged by flames.

RELATED: Photos from the scene in Huber Heights

Investigators said they believe the fire burned itself out.

The deaths of the family members were discovered last Wednesday after a caller reported a foul smell coming from the apartment on Bufort Boulevard. Initially, firefighters believed the victims could have been dead inside the apartment for about two weeks.

Family members identified the victims as 30-year-old Antronette I’Tavion Taylor; her 2-year-old son Michael Edward Davidson Jr.; and Michael E. Davidson Sr., who is the child’s father and Taylor’s boyfriend.

Two of the victims were found dead in the first floor living room and the third victim was found in the upstairs hallway of the residence, according to a fire report.

Neighbors called police after they became concerned after spotting flies in the windows of the residence, according to the report.

“The neighbor also stated they had not seen any of the residents for approximately two to three weeks,” the report read.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office has not officially released the names of the victim’s nor their causes of death. Officials said previously additional testing would be needed to identify the remains due to the decomposition of the bodies.

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