The State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a home east of St. Joseph Monday afternoon that was the site of a double murder last July.

According to Col. Bill Puett with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department investigators with the sheriff’s department were called out after 3 p.m. Monday to assist Fire Crews.

“There were concern about contents,” Puett said. “We’re working with the Fire Marshall’s Office.”

Extensive damage was caused to the home located on 8610 Hurlingen Road.  That home was also the site where James and Beverly Johnson were found dead of gunshot wounds.  Their grandson, 16-year-old Joseph Johnson pleaded guilty to the shootings and is slated for a sentencing hearing on March 4.

Puett said fire crews from San Antonio responded and had to call for back-up.  No one has been living in the home since the couple’s deaths. Puett said Citizen’s Bank and Trust is the executor for the property.

The investigation continues.