BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COLERAIN TOWNSHIP -- A 58-year-old woman whose body was found in a fire at her Crusader Drive home Tuesday was killed before the blaze was set, police said Wednesday.
Stella Ann Abbott died from "injuries inflicted by a person or persons unknown," said Steve Barnett, spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, which is investigating the homicide. Police would not give any more details Wednesday evening.
Colerain Township firefighters found Mrs. Abbott's body in the basement of the bi-level home where she had lived for more than 20 years. They were called to 9908 Crusader Drive shortly before 4 a.m. and found the house engulfed in flames.
The fire was deliberately set, said Dave Jennings, public information officer for the Colerain Township Fire Department. Investigators declined to elaborate on the method or timing of the arson.
Firefighters had initially been concerned because Mrs. Abbott had heart problems and used oxygen tanks to help her breathe. But Mr. Jennings said the potentially explosive tanks played no part in the fire.
Neighbors and friends said Mrs. Abbott was kind and well-liked. They would pitch in to shovel her driveway or mow her lawn.
Mrs. Abbott was divorced and lived alone. She is survived by a son in Kentucky as well as three daughters, one living in Fairfield, one in Florida, and the whereabouts of the third is not known.
Family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday and funeral information is not yet available.
At least one resident reported seeing a man standing in the back yard of the Abbott home before the fire, said Deborah Howell, who lives next door.
Sheriff's investigators, who questioned neighbors Tuesday, would not confirm those reports.
Drive. The body of Stella Ann Abbott, 58, was found in the basement of her home. Police say she was killed before the fire was set.
