Fire victims cause of death released

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - The medical examiner's office has released a cause of death for five people, including a seven-month-old baby, killed in a Warwick house fire on Saturday.

Officials ruled on Tuesday that the cause of death for all victims was smoke inhalation.

At a news conference on Monday, fire officials said the fire started between the ceiling of the first floor and the floor of the second floor.

The cousin of former Red Sox player Rocco Baldelli, Dan Janik, 20, his girlfriend Amanda Villeneuve, 21, and their 7-month-old daughter Annabelle were killed in the fire Saturday.

Janik and Villeneuve's friends, 20-year-old Tayla Lackey of Glocester and 24-year-old Nicholas Jillson of North Smithfield, were also killed in the fire, officials said. Family and friends said the four attended Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket.

Jillson was the younger brother of Jeff Jillson, who played for the Providence Bruins and Boston Bruins. His father is North Smithfield Fire Chief Joel Jillson.

All four of the adult victims were found on the second floor. Investigators have also determined that there was at least one working fire detector located in the basement of the home.

"The second smoke detector was located on the second floor, and all I can tell you is that we will be doing electrical testing on that smoke detector, because the evidence that we have before us quite frankly lies in the statements of the first two firefighters. They reported that they did not hear any working fire detectors in the building," said State Fire Marshal Jack Chartier.

Investigators said they have a working theory on a cause, and have taken samples to the University of Rhode Island lab for testing, including the two smoke detectors found inside the home.

Authorities say the investigation into a cause of the fire continues. Fire officials said once a cause is known, the families will be the first to be notified.

The public is invited to attend a prayer vigil for the victims of the tragic fire, held on Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. at St. Philip Parish located at 22 Putnam Pike, Greenville, R.I.