Tuesday fire victims identified

CLOVIS — Investigators have found no criminal intent related to the house fire that killed three people Tuesday on South Wheaton Street.

Curry County Sheriff Wesley Waller said Friday the fire appears to have originated inside a bedroom. All three victims succumbed to the effects of fire and smoke, preliminary autopsy results show.

The sheriff also on Friday said the Office of the Medical Investigator positively identified Johnie Lee Brewer, 77, and Leona Drake, 95, as victims. Both resided at the residence at 420 S. Wheaton, along with Alva Nelson. Officials believe Nelson is the third victim, but were unable to make a positive identification last week.

It was Nelson's bedroom where officials believe the fire originated.

“The Office of the Medical Investigator is continuing to conduct carbon monoxide and toxicology testing, and will continue with their investigation to positively identify victim #3,” Waller told The News in an email. “The State Fire Marshal's Office is continuing to examine and analyze evidence collected from the scene.”

A neighbor and two passing motorists reported the fire about 4 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters knocked it down about 45 minutes later, then spent several hours monitoring hot spots.