TUNNELTON — The state fire marshal has been called in to investigate a fire Tuesday that destroyed the home of a man accused of murder.
Robert Joseph Quinn, 42, is charged with the 2019 first-degree murder of Philip “Bucky” Barlow, of Tunnelton. He was charged two weeks ago.
At 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, Preston 911 received a call that a home at 847 Number 4 Road, Tunnelton, was on fire. According to court records, that is Quinn’s address. He is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail without bond.
Tunnelton Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Craig Barlow said the front of the home was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived minutes later.
Kingwood and Newburg Volunteer Fire Departments, and KAMP Ambulance, also responded.
Barlow said the home, a wooden, single-story dwelling, was a total loss. He contacted the State Fire Marshal’s office and asked it to investigate, because the fire seemed suspicious.
Firefighters were on scene until 8:38 a.m., according to Preston 911.
The structure was unoccupied, as far as firefighters know, and no neighboring buildings were damaged, Barlow said. No firefighters were injured fighting the blaze.
TWEET@DominionPostWV
