Autopsy: No foul play in death at Royal Inn fire

BY VALERIE REDDELL
Editor
polknews@gmail.com

LIVINGSTON — Initial reports from the Harris County Medical Examiners Offi ce show Caleb Wayne Maze, 22, of Livingston, died as a result of the fi re that broke out at the Royal Inn on Dec. 11, 2011. Lt. Matt Parrish said the examination showed the deceased had not suffered any traumatic injuries not directly related to the fi re. Parrish said investigators had received information that indicated Maze might have been the victim of an assault and medical examiners performed several tests during the autopsy that were able to rule out foul play. Other evidence found in the burned hotel room showed that the occupant had a hot plate in the room and that some fl ammable items may have been placed on top of the hot plate. Maze may have inadvertently turned on the hot plate and caused the fi re to ignite. Investigators are waiting for a fi nal report from the State Fire Marshal’s Offi ce and the medical examiner. The hotel remains closed and the owner has placed security fencing around the perimeter of the property. Livingston City Attorney Gaffney Phillips said the city is continuing to monitor code enforcement at the property. LPD target suspect in string of burglaries Detectives Ken Bohnert and Leon Middleton have identifi ed a suspect involved a rash of break-ins reported just before Christmas. Five homes on Oakhurst Drive were targeted while homeowners were away for extended periods, according to Bohnert. “We have some good, solid leads that we’re following up that look pretty good,” Bohnert said. “No arrests have been made yet.” Parrish said the detectives are pursuing a specifi c individual and the identity of that person will be released once the suspect is arrested. Bohnert added that Livingston Police Department was called out to investigate one additional burglary since the string of break-ins around Oakhurst Drive, but the newest burglary seems to have been committed by different suspects.