The garage fire last Wednesday that killed a disabled 18-year-old Layton woman was deliberately set, city fire and police officials said. But they are still trying to determine who started the early morning fire.
Bobbi Jo Womack died in the 6 a.m. fire at the home of John and Tonya Vosburgh, 733 W. Gentile St., the victim's foster parents. Womack suffered brain injuries in a car accident nine years ago and was being cared for by the Vosburghs.Layton Fire Chief Allen Peek said an autopsy performed on Womack by the state medical examiner's office determined the cause of death as smoke and toxic gas inhalation along with heat from the blaze.
Peek said the department's investigators eliminated all natural or accidental causes in the fire, which leaves arson by a process of elimination.
"There aren't any suspects at this point that the investigation is targeting," Peek said. "We're still following up information we have to try and determine who started the fire."
The fire generated publicity, which in turn brought a large number of telephone calls and tips, the chief said, all of which are being investigated by the city's police and fire departments.
The victim was the cause of a dispute between her foster parents and natural family, Peek said, and the police are examining that aspect of the incident as well as other leads.
The fire chief estimated the blaze, which destroyed a car and other personal property of the Vosburghs, did about $15,000 damage.