TX Veteran, Surgical Tech, Lauren Whitener Dead Before Lake Bridgeport House Fire, Say Autopsy Results

LAKE BRIDGEPORT, TX. (THECOUNT) — Lauren Whitener, the woman found dead inside a Lake Bridgeport, Texas, home last week, died before the fire, investigators said on Friday.

Last Friday, Whitener, 32, was found dead following a blaze 4 a.m. Friday a home at 620 N. Main St. in Lake Bridgeport. And now officials say she was murdered and the fire set intentionally.

A caged dog and a cat were also found dead inside the home.

Authorities announced Friday that they are now officially investigating Whitener’s death as a murder.

Whitener was an Army veteran, a surgical tech and a mother of an 8-year-old child who was not home at the time of the fire.

The Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Tarrant County Arson Task Force are continuing their investigation into determining the cause and origin of the fire and Rangers continue to examine the circumstances of Whitener’s death, reports KHOU.

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Anyone with possible information should contact police at 911.

Geo quick facts: Lake Bridgeport, Texas boasts a beautiful Man-made reservoir that’s popular for water sports & boating. Campsites, picnic areas & marinas are all in the fun mix.