D

The identity of the victim and the cause of a recent fatal fire in Newport remains officially undetermined at this time.

According to the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the fire that consumed and destroyed a home on Raines Road in Newport on Friday, Dec. 19, where a body was discovered, continues to be an open investigation while CCSO awaits results of DNA and autopsy findings from Knoxville.

First responders rushed to the home after an emergency 911 call was received at 4 a.m. The fire was brought under control and the victim’s body was recovered from the scene and sent to the Knoxville Forensic Center by the Newport Rescue Squad.

Initial reports indicated there were three survivors, two women and one man, who told a witness that they woke up to find half of the house on fire and there was no way to stop the flames.

There was no mention at the time of a possible victim until an official press release from the CCSO revealed a body was subsequently found.