Authorities have determined that a massive explosion that destroyed an Arlington, Virginia, duplex in December was intentionally caused by the homeowner, James Yoo, who died in the incident.
A massive explosion that devastated an Arlington, Virginia, duplex in December was intentionally caused by the homeowner, 56-year-old James Yoo, who tragically lost his life in the incident, authorities revealed on Friday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Arlington County Police, and Arlington County Fire collaborated to investigate the explosion and released a thorough report detailing their findings.
Investigators determined that the explosion originated in the home's basement and involved gasoline and a "competent ignition source." However, they emphasized that "munitions used by police during this incident are verified not to be a competent ignition source."
Evidence gathered at the scene included gasoline canisters, two shotguns, two flare guns, shotgun magazines, loose shotgun rounds, and both fired and unfired flares.
An autopsy revealed that Yoo's death resulted from "thermal injuries and blunt force trauma."
Neighbors had witnessed Yoo exhibiting erratic behavior in the months leading up to the explosion. He reportedly purchased large quantities of bleach and charcoal and covered the windows of his house with black trash bags.
On the morning of the incident, Yoo discarded trash on his lawn, including empty bleach bottles. Later that day, he began firing flares from the rear window of his duplex.
Police responded to the scene but failed to establish contact with Yoo. They obtained a search warrant and forcibly entered his home using an armored vehicle. As officers approached the door, Yoo fired multiple gunshots from within the house.
Authorities subsequently disconnected the gas supply to the home and evacuated nearby residents approximately an hour and a half before the explosion occurred.
The investigation continues, and authorities are working to determine Yoo's motives for causing the explosion and the circumstances that led to his demise.
