Josh Powell sent multiple emails before explosion

Pierce County Sheriff’s Ed Troyer says they have recovered multiple emails that Josh Powell sent before setting fire to his home, killing himself and his two sons. (AP Photo)

A man police say set fire to his home, killing himself and his two young sons sent a number of emails before igniting the blaze.

Pierce County Sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer tells 97.3 KIRO FM’s Ross and Burbank Show that authorities are working to recover three or four emails Josh Powell sent before setting fire to this home.

“We believe he sent some to other relatives,” said Troyer.

One email sent by Powell was already made public after his attorney turned it over to police.

“I’m sorry, goodbye,” read the email Powell sent to attorney Jeffrey Bassett.

“It was basically just a goodbye,” said Bassett, who reported the email to authorities as soon as he found it in his inbox about two hours after the explosion.

Listen to Josh Powell attorney Jeffrey Bassett

Troyer said they hope to learn more from other emails sent to Powell’s family members.

“Some of them are a little bit longer and more detailed,” said Troyer, adding that none so far offer any explanation. “They’re not going to be anything that explains why this happened, not so far.”

Listen to Det. Sgt. Ed Troyer on Ross and Burbank

Troyer said they’re still working to collect all the emails. Looking at those gathered so far, Troyer does not believe any of the recipients were given enough time to prevent the events.

“It looks like they all went out at the same time, kind of at the last minute before he pulled that final act.”

But Troyer said the emails definitely speak to this event being planned.

“It makes it pretty clear he had a plan and he did some things that were indicative of him not being around for another day or two.”

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor
The Associated Press contributed to this report.