The Associated Press

MASSILLON, Ohio - The wife and two children of a man who died in a house fire that authorities initially thought was an accident have been charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson.

Ernest Anderson, 52, died Dec. 11. A preliminary investigation blamed the fire on a lantern that was being used because the utility company had shut off electricity.

Family members told investigators the family dog could have tipped over the lantern.

"There was too much evidence that showed it was arson," said police Sgt. James Mizeres. Police wouldn't comment on a motive.

Charges were filed Thursday against Anderson's wife, Vickie, 48; his son, Jonathan, 18; daughter, Crystal Anderson-Starcher, 16; and 18-year-old Donald Starcher, who now is Crystal's husband.

Mother and son are being held without bond in the Stark County Jail after they pleaded innocent to the charges in Massillon Municipal Court.

Crystal and Donald Starcher are charged in Stark County Family Court because they were younger than 18 when Anderson was killed. Both pleaded innocent and were being held in a juvenile detention facility.

Prosecutors have asked that they be tried as adults.

Prosecutor John Ferrero said a decision won't be made on pursuing the death penalty against the mother and son until after the case goes to a grand jury.