A deadly early-morning fire at a Columbus house near Ohio State University claimed five student lives on April 13, 2003. At about 4 a.m. a blaze that investigators now say was intentionally set and originated at the front door destroyed the two-story rowhouse at 64 East 17th Avenue near Waldeck Avenue. Nineteen-year-old Erin DeMarco was among the five victims; the others were Kyle Raulin, Christine Wilson, Alan Schlessman and Andrea Dennis. Two of the victims were Ohio State students and three attended Ohio University in Athens.

The fire followed a large party that drew roughly 75 to 100 people and ended around 3:30 a.m.; investigators believe 15 to 20 people remained inside when the fire began. All five victims were trapped on the second floor, four in one room and one in a separate room. It took about 100 firefighters an hour to extinguish the blaze. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those involved in the murders.

Anyone who knew Erin or has information about the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.