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Homicide, arson suspected in fatal house fire Butte Falls grandmother, 80, slain; no suspects revealed By JILL BRISKEY BUTTE FALLS - Investigators believe that an 80-year-old woman, affectionately referred to as a second grandmother to her neighbors, was a homicide victim whose home was set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime. Oregon State Police are releasing few details as they continue to investigate the death of longtime Butte Falls resident Blanche Campbell. Campbell - who lived alone in a two-story home on Obenchain Road - was pronounced dead at the scene after fire crews discovered her body May 8 in the ashes and rubble of her home. According to volunteer Fire Chief Hugh Simpson, the blaze appears to have started in the southeast portion of Campbell's home. Last week, Simpson said it appeared that Campbell was downstairs, possibly on a couch, when the fire started. The fire was reported at 4:40 a.m. by an acquaintance of Campbell. The man, who often worked in Campbell's yard and called her "Grandma Blanche," noticed the flames while traveling to work and attempted to enter the locked home with the help of a neighbor. Oregon State Police detective Maureen Bedell said an autopsy was conducted Friday. "The manner of death is a homicide," Bedell said, adding the she could not comment on the cause of death or if Campbell was dead before the fire started. "The detectives are formulating leads and conducting interviews," she said. Bedell said she can't say if a suspect or a person of interest has been identified, but she said the fire appeared to have been deliberately set. "The fire was an attempt to cover up evidence," she said. Officials from the interagency Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation unit are spearheading the investigation. Bedell said members of the Oregon State Police Arson/Explosive Section and State Fire Marshal's Office combed the fire scene on Obenchain Road this weekend, sifting through ashes and rubble looking for clues. Investigators also have questioned numerous community members, Bedell said, adding that everybody who knew Campbell had something good to say about the woman. "Right now, we need the community's support to bring closure to this situation," Bedell said. "We're hoping that anybody with information will come forward." Campbell, who was born in Arkansas, worked as a beautician and later moved to the Rogue Valley. She lived in Central Point before moving to Butte Falls in 1976, according to friends. During that time, Campbell concentrated on raising her family. Campbell was an active member of the Community Bible Church. A widow who lived alone since the death of her husband, Campbell was the mother of one and grandmother of two. She was an avid quilter who is remember fondly in the community for baking pies. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.