AROUND HIGHER EDUCATION: Murray State fire investigated

Murray State News MURRAY, KY (U-WIRE) -- Six Kentucky State Police investigators continued wading through a mass of evidence this weekend in last week's campus dormitory fire that killed Murray State sophomore Michael Minger. But after more than 200 interviews, more than troopers recalled conducting in any other fire investigation, there is still no suspect. "They're still interviewing and taking statements," Kentucky State Police Public Affairs Officer Chuck Robertson said. Captain John Vance, commander of Kentucky State Police Post 1 in Mayfield, said Wednesday the investigation was proceeding as he would have expected. "You just don't know until you get in there and get going," he said. "Sometimes the evidence does not lend itself to being timely. You don't know when the puzzle will come together." While Vance refused to put a timetable on the investigation, he indicated it may take time to resolve. "I would anticipate we will be investigating this for a while," he said. "It's very involved." In other fire-related news: · The coroner's report of Minger's death became official Thursday. Coroner Dwane Jones declared the death a homicide based on Tuesday's ruling of the fire as an arson. The cause of death was declared to be smoke and soot inhalation and monoxide poisoning. · Michael Priddy, another of those hurt in the blaze, remained in Vanderbilt Medical Center Thursday in critical but stable condition. He was upgraded from critical condition Wednesday. · Fourth-floor residents gathered Wednesday for a meeting with University officials, Public Safety Director Joe Green said. They received aid from various organizations, including the Red Cross, and wrote statements for state police investigators.