An Attempted Home Eviction Became Deadly

“According to Clearwater Fire Rescue, firefighters responded to a home at 1506 Meadow Dale Drive just after 3:30 a.m.

When firefighters arrived, the roof of the home was engulfed in flames. The roof later collapsed. 

On the same day the house burned down, its’ current resident, Shannon Gillespie, 45, was in court for an emergency hearing to get her out. Shannon is the daughter that Daniel Gillespie tried to evict from the house shortly before his death.

Shannon’s siblings previously received a court order to sell the house. The closing was, in fact, scheduled for Friday.

During today’s hearing, Daniel Kortenhaus, an attorney for Shannon’s siblings, said they believe Shannon started the fire.

“The house at 1506 Meadow Dale Drive was burned to the ground last night and speculation on our side, of course, is that the defendant may or was probably culpable,” said Kortenhaus.

Today’s hearing marked the latest episode in a 16-month court battle over the house between Shannon and her relatives. The four Gillespie children inherited the home following their father’s death.”

Source:  Bay News 9
Read Full Article:  https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2020/01/29/flames-sweep-through-clearwater-home-overnight