By Mike Warren

STRATFORD – State officials have joined the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office in looking into a suspicious fire which has now turned into an arson and homicide investigation.

According to a media release from Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks, the Stratford Fire Department was called to a structure fire at a residence in the 205000 block of Rangeline Road in the town of Day shortly after 6 a.m. on April 6.

The single-family home with attached garage received substantial damage. When firefighters found evidence of foul play, they alerted the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent search of the structure turned up two individuals who were found dead, and whose identities have not been released.

The state Justice Department’s Division of Criminal Investigation, state Fire Marshal’s office, and Marathon County District Attorney’s office have joined the investigation.

No other details have been released at this time.

The Edgar and McMillan Fire Departments assisted Stratford firefighters, as did Marshfield EMS.