Authorities are investigating the mysterious triple slayings of a woman, her adult son, and his girlfriend, who were found dead in a burning Texas home Sunday.
The deceased victims were identified as Kelly Masciarelli, Kolin Foster, and Cameryn Richard, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Foster was Masciarelli's son, investigators clarified. His girlfriend, Richard, lived with them at their home in Cypress, Texas – about 30 miles outside of Houston.
"Arson Investigators advised the fire looked to be deliberate and started by an accelerant," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed on X. "It was determined the fire was started after the victims were deceased."
The case is being investigated as a homicide.
"Unfortunately, we have seen this before where an individual will commit murder and then start a fire to cover their tracks," Sgt. Michael Ritchie said, according to KTRK-TV.
It's unclear how the victims were killed, but investigators said they had visible trauma to their bodies, pointing to foul play.
It's believed the killer fled through the back door after starting the blaze.
As news of the murders broke, tributes poured in from loved ones.
Masciarelli "was not only an amazing human strong woman and single mom, but also an amazing big hearted advocate for truth justice righteousness and patriotism," friend Kelly Taylor wrote on Facebook. "She was a real truther. Our hearts are broken but more so we pray for her two precious daughters who remain to grieve not only the loss of their mom but a home almost burned down by the perpetrators. May God Who Sees repay justice where it is due!"
"You were the sweetest person when it came to being thoughtful, no one could beat you," another one of Masciarelli's friends, Tammi Delagne Dart, wrote in a separate post. "I want to see the person that murdered you get the death penalty. I want to press the button. I've never felt this much anger towards another human being in my life. But this person is not a human being. They are an animal and need to be hunted down like one and brought to justice."
A motive remains under investigation.
