Sheriff: Western Iowa fire that killed 2 was ‘an act of suicide’

HARLAN, Iowa (KTIV) - A fire in a Western Iowa town resulted in two people’s deaths, and now authorities have released their findings.

The fire happened at 1108 3rd Street in Harlan, Iowa, on Tuesday, Sept. 16. When authorities got to the home, the house was full of smoke and they found two people inside, a man and a woman.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office identified them as 52-year-old Dominique Pontzius and 24-year-old Sebastian Pontzius. They were mother and son.

A medical examiner confirmed their deaths were caused by the fire. Authorities say no foul play is suspected.

“The investigation has determined the fire was intentionally set inside the home as an act of suicide for both individuals,” stated the sheriff’s office in a press release. “No additional individuals were invol