SAN ANTONIO - Police have opened a capital murder investigation after two women and a girl were found dead in burned house. Police Chief William McManus said it appears the victims were killed before the fire was set.
People living along Karen Lane near Rittiman Road sat and watched as their neighbors home went up in flames.
"I saw the fire and I told my son to get up, " said neighbor Carmen Cruz.
The fire broke out before 4:00 am Wednesday morning. The fire investigation quickly turned into a murder investigation after police found two women and an 11-year-old girl inside the home.
The 11-year old is believed to be the daughter of one of the victims. Police are still waiting on autopsy reports to make positive identifications.
Arson investigators did not find the second woman victim until late Wednesday afternoon. Arson investigators were still searching the home when they made the discovery.
"Its obvious enough to make us believe the deaths were not related to the fire alone," said McManus.
Arson and police investigators were at the home for hours. The medical examiner's office was also on hand.
McManus says one man has been questioned, and the residence had been the site of calls about domestic violence.
"It's just hard to wrap my mind around it, " added neighbor Carmen Cruz.
Police records indicate the mother last month sought a protective order for the child, alleging sexual abuse by the girl's father. A protective order was issued Aug. 17.
Child Protective Services was investigating.
