Gwinnett County authorities continue piecing together the details of a home fire in unincorporated Buford Tuesday, in which a man was found dead in the backyard.
Fire investigators said in a release Wednesday they believe Darin James Powers, 41, intentionally set fire to his home before taking his own life.
Powers was the only one at the home on Bradford Walk Trail and was located deceased at the back door of the home with a gunshot wound. Investigators said in the released they located the weapon in close proximity to the doorway and body.
Powers also had injuries from the fire. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was the gunshot wound and not the fire injuries.
Authorities are continuing the investigation, including testing to see if an accelerant was used to spark the fire.
The American Red Cross will assistant for the remaining family members that were displaced from the home because of the damage.