Penn House Explosion Caused By Husband Who Fatally Drugged Wife Before Burning The House

The house explosion at Lancaster County in Pennsylvania on June 1 was a case of murder-suicide, authorities have said.

Investigation revealed that David J. Preston, 63, fatally drugged his wife Victoria, 60, with fentanyl and other medications, before setting himself and his house on fire, Northwest Regional Police said Thursday. Tests proved that Victoria had died before the fire engulfed the house, reported Penn Live.

The fire broke out in the house at night as neighbors reported explosions sounding like cannons. Firefighters had to work hours to douse the sky-high flames that left the house in shambles. As the blast made the house unstable, police waited until morning to search the house. Officers also brought in heavy equipment to sift through the debris, after the bodies of David and Victoria were found. They were later identified using dental records.

According to police, David had the "control and ability" to increase Victoria's medication. While her death is due to the toxic levels of drugs in her body, David died of extensive smoke and thermal injuries, both internal and external.

Police believe David used a flammable substance to set himself and the house on fire. While investigators have not specified what the material was, they have found the residue on David's charred body. Though neighbors reported multiple explosions, police have not mentioned what caused the additional blasts.

The couple, who had been living at Lancaster County for years, was described by neighbors as "super nice."

"They were the nicest, nicest people. When I moved in, they brought me cookies," Douglas Armstrong, a neighbor of the deceased couple, told Lancaster Online.

David's niece, Brittnay Goranson, who lived with them for several years, told Penn Live they heavily influenced who she was today. "They cared for everything around them. Even the smallest things," said Goranson.

Last month, Pennsylvania witnessed a murder-suicide after a father fatally shot his two children before setting the house on fire. Police said Richard Zimmer, 48, killed his children Zachery and Madison with a shotgun before setting the house ablaze. He then turned the gun on himself. Fire Department was alerted by neighbors who saw smoke emanating from the home.