Officials search for cause of death for family in explosion

Authorities say an Ohio mother and two young girls were so badly burned that investigators can't determine if they suffered any injuries prior to a fatal house explosion and fire.

The Summit County Medical Examiner released a preliminary autopsy Wednesday saying investigators are searching for their causes of death. Records show they haven't determined exactly when they died.

A police report says Jeffrey Mather, who also died in the Jan. 11 Northfield house explosion, had previously threatened to kill himself. Investigators say Mather was found near a gas can inside the home.

Authorities say Mather showed evidence of smoke inhalation. His wife and daughters did not.

Authorities have said murder-suicide is a possibility in the explosion.

The state fire marshal's office has said investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.