Investigation Intensifies Into Deadly Arson Near Hazleton
By: Andy Mehalshick
Updated: January 29, 2013
Hazle Township, Luzerne County-- Mary Cook and Anthony Gentle of Hazle Township were known to have trouble in their relationship but State Investigators want to know if those troubles led to a deadly fire Sunday night. The 47 year old Cook was killed and 54 year old Gentle was badly burned. State Police confirm they were at the home to investigate a domestic dispute in December. Troopers found marijuana plants in an upstairs room and filed drug charges against the couple. Gentle was also charged with violating a PFA, Protection from Abuse Order filed against him by Cook. One neighbor who did not want to be identified told Eyewitness News, "We were aware of problems in that house but never thought something like this could happen." Maureen Reimold who lives behind the Cok home added, "It is really shocking to see this but I was not aware of any real problems inside the home other than what I read in the newspaper in December about the drugs and PFA." Troopers say they were hoping to interview Gentle at Lehigh Valley Hospital on Tuesday. Gentle remains in criticl condition.
