Diamond Bar

Son of Couple Killed in Diamond Bar House Fire Sought as Person of Interest

Firefighters say the home had no working smoke detectors

Two people were found dead early Friday after a house fire in Diamond Bar that led to a homicide-arson investigation.

The two killed in the blaze were identified as Linda Venti, 66, and John Venti, 75.

Their son, 33-year-old son Ryan Venti, was being sought as a person of interest.

"They were the most gracious neighbors anyone can have on their street," said Tim Park, pastor at EFree Church, where the Ventis had worshiped for many years.

Their bodies were found, along with that of their dog, in a downstairs bedroom of the house in the 3600 block of Crooked Creek Drive.

Authorities initially reported three fatalities, but later said they confirmed two deaths. Investigators are looking for a third person, identified as the couple's 32-year-old son, who was not in the two-story home at the time of the fire.

The Sheriff's Department is calling the case a homicide-arson investigation because it appears an accelerant may have been used to spread the fire. 

The home did not appear to have working smoke detectors.

"The important thing to realize here is... there were no working smoke detectors," said Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Tony Imbrenda. "(Firefighters) heard no working smoke detectors at the time of their arrival."

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