Couple Killed In Diamond Bar House Fire Had Just Retired; Adult Son Sought For Questioning

DIAMOND BAR (CBSLA) — An elderly couple that had just retired was found dead after firefighters put out what appears to be a suspicious fire at their Diamond Bar home.

The fire was reported at about 4:45 a.m. in the 3600 block of Crooked Creek Drive. Firefighters had the fire out by 5:18 a.m. and immediately began searching the home for the three residents: Linda Venti, 66, John Venti, 75, and their son Ryan Venti, 33.

The bodies were found in a burned bedroom. Officials say they assume the victims to be the husband and wife, believed to be in their 60s, but their identities have yet to be confirmed by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.

Arson investigators say they believe accelerant was used in the fire, and it's unclear if the couple died before the fire broke out, or in the flames.

The couple's adult son remained missing Friday night, and investigators say they would like to find him to talk to him about the fire.

"We're told he may suffer from mental illness," Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. John Corina told reporters.

Neighbor Richard Stiles said he had just visited the couple the day before and was talking to them about remodeling their kitchen.

"They were very happy. They bought the trailer and the new car and they were traveling," Stiles said.

"It's just sad they had to go that way."