Coroner identifies man who died in fire

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- The man who died in an explosive fire in a Richmond Way

townhome complex Feb. 28 has been identified as 68-year-old Robert

Jamison Marshall, Orange County coroner’s office officials said Wednesday

night.

Fire officials had estimated his age at 65.

The determination of Marshall’s identity was made “by dental

comparison,” said Joseph Lucky, supervising deputy coroner.

“We had an orthodontist come in and examine the individual’s dental

records,” he said.

That was one of the ways officials could determine the identity of the

victim because his body was burned beyond recognition, Lucky said.

Costa Mesa Fire Department investigators are still examining the case

that leaves some questions unanswered. Investigators said the fire was

caused by gas vapors being ignited. They said the source could be as

varied as someone tapping a light switch to lighting a cigarette or

starting a car.

“[Marshall] had large amounts of gas in cans,” lead investigator Sean

Brosamer said. “The fumes built up and hit an ignition source. We may

never know what that source was.”

The explosions and fire last week ripped through Marshall’s garage and

home, while also damaging some of the neighboring homes. Glass windows

shattered from the impact of the explosions.

Investigators also found more than $100,000 stuffed in bags in

Marshall’s home. The source of the cash remains unknown and is in the

custody of the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Lucky said Marshall’s family members have been notified and that his

body will be taken to a mortuary of their choice.