Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Fire: PG County Police

SEAT PLEASANT, MD — A Northeast Washington man was arrested Thursday for the house fire that killed two people and injured a firefighter in Seat Pleasant Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Police charged Thomas Gerald Deal, 53, with two counts of first degree murder and arson.

The fire broke out at a vacant two-story single family home in the 6200 block of Foote St. at about 5:30 a.m. Nov. 2.

Two men died from smoke inhalation, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They've been identified as Gary Alphonso Driver, 56, of Oxon Hill and Derrick McDowell, 51, of Upper Marlboro.

Chief Spokesperson for Prince George's Fire Mark Brady said officials arrived to the home and saw it was "well involved with fire" and could see flames from the first and second floor. Firefighters extinguished the fire about 20 minutes later.

See Also:

• Fatal Fire Ruled Arson In Prince George's County
  
• House Fire Kills 2, Injures Firefighter In Prince George's County

A firefighter was hurt battling the blaze, but the injury is not serious, officials said.

During the course of the investigation, evidence was collected linking Deal to the fire. Police said they're still working to identify a motive in this case.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)

Photo: PGPD, DCFDRescue3