June 16--Police arrested Edward Lawrence Nelson, 65, of Coos County, and accused him of aggravated murder and first-degree arson after fires at Nelson's home and a house next door Saturday.
Police responded to a fire at Nelson's home on Big Creek Road around 8:43 p.m. Saturday and found the body of an adult female. A preliminary investigation indicates homicidal violence was the cause of death, police say.
Police believe the fire, which did not cause extensive damage, was intentionally set.
The house and outbuilding next door were also on fire. Police believe the two residents of this house were at home. Investigators found what they believe to be remains of at least one person.
The outbuilding was not extensively damaged, but the house was destroyed. Police believe these fires were also intentionally set.
Police identified Nelson as a suspect based on information from witnesses. Oregon State Police stopped Nelson's car around 10:13 p.m. at milepost 71 of Oregon 42 in Douglas County.
Nelson was the only occupant of the car. He was taken to Coos County Jail and will be charged with three counts of aggravated murder and three counts of first-degree arson Monday morning, according to Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier.
The investigation is ongoing.
The victims' names will be released after family members are notified, and the causes of death will be released after autopsies are performed, according to Frasier.
Anyone with information can contact the Coos County Sheriff's Office.
-- Nicole Friedman
Copyright 2013 - The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
