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closeSaturday, Dec. 13, 2008
Benton City man dies in motorhome fire
By Paula Horton, Herald staff writer
BENTON CITY -- A 43-year-old Benton City man who was killed in a motorhome fire apparently died after he set the blaze in an attempt to cover up a burglary, authorities said.
James Maurice Kaiser was found dead inside the motorhome after firefighters pried open the door, said Benton County sheriff's Detective Bob Brockman.
Electronic equipment -- a VCR, backup camera system and a battery charger -- were also found near the door, Brockman said.
Benton Fire District 2 crews were dispatched at 11:30 p.m. Thursday to a vehicle fire behind The Palm tavern, Capt. Darrin Pettis said. The fire turned out to be about a block away at 909 Della Ave., and flames were visible in the 34-foot motorhome when crews arrived, he said.
He said the presence of a propane tank on the motorhome concerned firefighters because of the heat of the blaze. Firefighters didn't know if anyone was inside, but the potential risk prevented them from sending anyone inside to search until the fire was extinguished, Pettis said.
Crews were on the scene for about three hours.
Fire damage was kept to the rear half of the motorhome, Brockman said.
He said the victim apparently entered through a back window. He apparently tried to leave through the side door but was likely overcome by smoke, Brockman said.
The motorhome is registered to Melvin Parks of Cottonwood, Idaho.
The cause of death was not apparent after an autopsy Friday afternoon performed by Dr. Daniel Selove, a forensic pathologist from Everett.
Kaiser was burned, but he could have died from a number of different things, such as a heart attack or drug overdose, so a final decision can't be made until all the evidence is together, said Benton County Coroner Rick Corson.
Tissue analysis and toxicology tests will take eight to 12 weeks, he said.
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