Fire investigators still have not determined the cause of a small kitchen fire at the former home of Sandy and Casey Parsons. The fire occurred Wednesday morning at the Miller Chapel Road home where missing teen Erica Parsons once lived.
Erica, the Parsonses’ adopted daughter, hasn’t been seen in Rowan County since November 2011, but was reported missing July 30 by the couple’s biological son, James. His report prompted Rowan law enforcement to look into the 15-year-old’s disappearance.
Rowan County Fire Marshal Aaron Youngblood said Friday fire investigators returned to the house on Thursday and looked at the electrical system. He said an electrical engineer will have to take a more in-depth look at the wiring. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the investigation.
A microwave that caught on fire during the fire was sent off to a lab to confirm if the fire was caused by faulty wiring or if the microwave was the origin of the fire.
William Parsons and wife Janet recently served an eviction notice against Casey and Sandy, saying they were owed nearly $26,000 in damages, back rent and repairs. The family was set to appear in small claims court a week ago, but settled the matter prior to the hearing. Sandy and Casey Parsons moved out of the home sometime in August.
Rowan Sheriff’s investigators continue to look into Erica’s disappearance along with agents from the SBI and FBI. Investigators have said Sandy and Casey have not been truthful during the investigation. The couple’s attorney Carlyle Sherrill has said his clients could only tell investigators what they knew.