Fire death investigated as homicide

MAT-SU -- Members of the Alaska Bureau of Investigation's Mat-Su unit continued Friday in attempts to learn more about a death being considered a homicide case.

David Glenn McKinney, 49, died Monday in an early morning fire at a residence on Sunrise Loop in Big Lake. Alaska State Troopers responded at 2:30 a.m. and McKinney's body was discovered in the house at 5 a.m.

Troopers originally reported the fire as accidental, saying in a press release that no foul play was suspected.

"Cause of the fire is yet to be determined but is believed to have been accidental due to a wood stove or smoking materials," the press release said.

However, further investigation by troopers and members of the State Fire Marshal's Office uncovered evidence indicating otherwise.

"It's a collective thing," trooper Sgt. Dallas Massie said. "It was information noted at the scene as well as during the autopsy."

There were no suspects as of Friday afternoon, he said. Officials are not releasing details about the investigation or cause of death, but Massie said, "We hope to have something pretty soon."

The troopers are working with fire marshal's personnel to re-examine the cause of the blaze, trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson said.

Troopers are seeking any information about the last 48 hours of McKinney's life, from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24. Anyone with information is urged to call Mat-Su Crime Stoppers at 745-3333 or the Palmer trooper office at 745-2131.

It was the second death involving a house fire in the Valley during the past week. On Nov. 23, a fire at a residence at 1070 West Sands Drive in Wasilla claimed the life of an unidentified man. The blaze broke out at 1:47 a.m., troopers said, and the house was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze after four hours, troopers said, adding the structure was a total loss.

Wilkinson said the victim's body was found downstairs in a recreation room. It was taken to the State Medical Examiner's office in Anchorage, where a spokeswoman said Friday the man's identity was not available.

The State Fire Marshal believes the fire was deliberately set, troopers said.