CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. – A dead man was identified as the likely culprit of a months-old Chelan murder and arson that left a home in ruins and resulted in two deaths.
The arson happened on August 21, 2025. The residential building, home to eleven people, was completely destroyed by the fire. A nearby business, Kidoodles, and another home were also threatened by the fire.
Two people, 63-year-old Nada D. Davidson and 67-year-old Michael W. Tappe died as a result of the fire and 55-year-old Lauri A. Kerr suffered “substantial bodily injury” in the fire, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives identified 41-year-old Jason W. Glandon as the primary suspect on August 24, 2025, but he was found dead the next day by the Brewster Police.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said Glandon died of a pulmonary embolism due to a deep vein thrombosis of the leg. The backs of his legs had severe burns, which was evidence of him running from flames.
After finding Glandon dead, officers continued investigating by executing follow-up search warrants and conducting additional interviews.
Detectives’ evidence showed Glandon intentionally set the fire, the sheriff’s office said.
“The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere condolences to the victims’ families,” the sheriff’s office wrote.
