Hidden Cedars arson suspect’s death ruled suicide - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Hidden Cedars arson suspect’s death ruled suicide

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Months after two people were killed in a massive fire at the Hidden Cedars complex, details are being released about who set of the fire. Flames scorched Building G in March, destroying several units. It was a case the fire marshal ruled as arson.

On Tuesday, the coroner ruled that one of the victims is responsible for setting the blaze.

Fire ripped through the Hidden Cedars apartment complex late on Sunday, March 26. The fire spread so quickly, Tyler Grayson had to help neighbors get out of the burning buildings and watched people jump off balconies to save their lives.

"There was black smoke in the sky, high flames everywhere, shooting out of the top of the building," he says.

Little did he know, a neighbor started the fire.

The Lucas County coroner has ruled 61-year-old Robert McGhee set the fire before dying from carbon monoxide poisoning.     

58-year-old Olandia Dixon, know as Keith, was also killed. His death has been ruled a homicide, though the key suspect is dead.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is not releasing what evidence led investigators to McGhee, a man described as a friendly neighbor.

With the three buildings gone and residents trying to rebuild, we may never know exactly why he set the blaze.

The State Fire Marshall's Office says the investigation is still ongoing.

Lucas County is working with the fire department and the owners of Hidden Cedars to bring the apartment buildings up to code.

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