OCALA, Fla. — The deaths of a couple whose remains were found in their burned Ocala home after a fire in late July is now considered suspicious, and detectives are looking to the public for help.
- Couple found dead after July house fire in Ocala identified
- Investigators haven't determined cause of fire or deaths
- Detectives now consider married couple's deaths as suspicious
- PREVIOUSLY: Two dead in Ocala house fire
The remains of Robert Lee Cooper, 37, and Ariel Vanessa Prim, 29, were found by firefighters who'd responded to the SE 84th Lane Road home after it caught fire and "burned to the ground" July 28.
That's when Marion County Sheriff's investigators were called to investigate the case.
On Wednesday, DNA tests came back confirming the identity of the remains.
Investigators with the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Medical Examiner have not been able to determine the cause of the fire nor issue a cause of death in the case.
Now, detectives are investigating the married couple's deaths as suspicious.
Anyone who can provide information about Cooper and Prim is urged to call Det. Billy Burleson at 352-368-3542. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can also call Crimestoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP.
On January 4, officials added a reward of $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
