Officials: Arson cause of fatal Ohio house fire; Father, 3 sons killed

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Ohio authorities said a fire that killed a father and his sons over the weekend appears to have been set intentionally.

Authorities said the flames broke out about 12:30 a.m. Saturday and the East Liverpool house was quickly engulfed.

Ulrick Estimot and his three sons, Trey, Terrell and Trenton, died in the blaze. Crews said they were unable to reach the victims because the flames were so intense.

Channel 11's Dave Bondy spoke to the mother of two of the boys killed in the blaze. She said her sons were always smiling.

"They were smiling, always happy. The 5-year-old liked to put a smile on someone's face and the 11-year-old just loved to smile," said Angela Latshaw.

Latshaw said it was late Friday night when she came home to find the door locked and her children screaming inside. Shortly after, Latshaw said the home burst into flames.

Investigators said there was evidence found in the home that proves the fire was arson. Latshaw's aunt said she hopes everyone will wait to draw conclusions about what happened until police fully investigate.

"Stop the rumors and just wait. Leave Angela alone. Good wishes are great and we love it," said aunt Rose Debrey.

Investigators said it could take weeks to determine exactly how the fire started. The medical examiner said the children had high levels of carbon monoxide.

The state fire marshal is now investigating.

WPXI