Fire ruled arson at Ohio home where 3 were slain

HOWARD, Ohio - Authorities say someone deliberately set a fire at an Ohio home where police say two women and an 11-year-old boy were stabbed to death earlier this month.

The State Fire Marshal's office on Wednesday announced an arson ruling in the Monday night fire at the home of Tina Herrmann in Howard.

The office said in a statement that specific details would not be released, including how the fire was started.

A local fire chief has said the fire burned the porch and melted some siding but was contained quickly and did not spread inside the house.

The remains of Herrmann, her son and her friend were found last week stuffed into a hollow tree at a nature preserve about 20 miles from the home. Funerals were scheduled for Wednesday.