Fatal New Year’s Eve house fire in Tacoma now being investigated as homicide
Sep 7, 2022, 3:14 PM
(MyNorthwest graphic)
(MyNorthwest graphic)
A man was found dead in his home on New Year’s Eve 2021 after his house caught on fire. That fire has since been determined to have been caused by arson, and his death is being investigated as a homicide.
At 5:27 p.m., Dec. 31, 2021, firefighters were called to a house fire on Rosemount Way in Tacoma.
Fire at Gig Harbor construction site ruled arson
When crews arrived, they reported seeing significant flames and smoke coming from the front of the house.
Two additional engines were called to the scene once the fire spread to the second floor. After firefighters got the fire under control, they managed to enter, discovering Elliott’s body inside.
In the case of 83-year-old Jame Elliott’s death at his home, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) determined the fire was the result of arson according to Pierce County police.
Elliot’s cause of death was ruled asphyxiation due to inhalation of smoke and other products of combustion.
