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Reward offered for information in Columbus Co. suspicious fire

Reported by Kristy Ondo - bio|email
Posted by Debra Worley - email

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Columbus County authorities are investigating a suspicious fire that happened earlier this month.

According to Sheriff Chris Batten, 32-year-old Andrew Dunn was found dead inside the home  off Old Lake Road around 8:30 Sunday morning.

Dunn's next door neighbor, Amber Waddell, said the mobile home was still standing at 5:00 Sunday morning, but when she woke up again three hours later it was destroyed.

"I found it hard to believe," said Waddell.  "I got up and went outside and it was already down. I called 911 and said my neighbor's house caught on fire and I think he was in there."

At first look, authorities did not suspect foul play, but autopsy results found Dunn suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

The official cause of death is not known at this time, but foul play is now suspected in both the gunshot wounds and the fire.

According to Batten, detectives are interviewing family members and neighbors but have not named a person of interest in this case.

Officials say Dunn was wanted by authorities in Richmond County, NC, but there is no word on what he was wanted for.

According to the Columbus County Fire Marshal's Office, a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.

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