Deadly Electra Fire

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KAUZ News

Story Created: Jun 15, 2009 at 3:26 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 16, 2009 at 7:49 AM CST

The Wichita County Sheriff's office is investigating a deadly fire near Electra. At around 4 this morning, flames erupted from a home on Highway 25 in Punkin' Center. Deputies said two people died in the blaze.

The victims of the fire are 42-year-old Joe Bob Gilbert and 40-year-old Kristy Hoffman. Two others, including a child, are hurt and were taken to Electra Memorial Hospital. The child has since been taken to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Investigators are trying to determine what started the blaze.

Sheriff David Duke said, "Right now we are looking at all possible angles of what started the fire, we are not ruling out anything right now til we get the house cleaned out to see what started the fire. At this point I can't speculate whether it has to do with methamphetamine production or accidental fire, that's where it stands right now."

Deputies say they believe the fire started in the living room.

Tuesday, Jun 16 at 11:16 AM Misty Tarver wrote ...

I am Joe Bob's sister-in-law. What made you think it had to do with meth? That is CRAPPY reporting if you ask me? He died by acident according to police. Where do you get off speculating? That is NOT what news ia about. Thanks for hurting the grieving family in this situation. I will let others know of your horrible news coverage and reporters!

Tuesday, Jun 16 at 3:12 PM ashlee gilbert wrote ...

It's unfortunate that Mr. Duke is allowed to speak publicly, when he clearly has no training in public or even human relations. His quote is borderline slander and it is unfortunate that as a news organization your editors did not think better of publishing it. To say that he "can't speculate" and then casually mention "methamphetamine production"?? It is irresponsible and has done nothing but compound the immeasurable shock and pain for an already grieving, inconsolable family.

Wednesday, Jun 17 at 3:46 AM tatertotlynn wrote ...

i think the statement made was in poor taste regardless of speculations. public apologies are nice. sometimes it takes a bigger person to admit wrongdoings. (isnt that what he was elected to do?meaning bring people down that has done wrong?) practices preached. read job description. of course,think of this elect time! has it gone to this where compassion for others has fell to wasteside or this cause in the toilet? god bless the victims of this tragedy and prayer for there recovery.

Wednesday, Jun 17 at 8:44 PM Niesha wrote ...

I just want to know if David Duke throws the past in every families face when a tragedy occurs. I think the family is going through enough without sterotyping. Joe Bob and Kristy were very kind people and nothing they've done in the past changes that. Let them at least pass on with some dignity cause I'm sure if it were a member of his his family, there would be an uproar if that kind of speculation was made. I hope Mr. Duke works harder at improving his public speaking as he did runnin 4 sherri

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