New details have emerged about the tragic house fire in Washington Township, Gloucester County, that claimed the lives of a man and a woman earlier this month. Contrary to initial assumptions, the two victims were not in a relationship, according to the woman’s best friend.
The fire occurred on May 11th, destroying a home in Sewell and leaving the house reduced to ash and debris. The burned-out shell of a Lexus was also found in the ruins. Investigators determined that an accelerant had been used to start the fire, and the natural gas lines had been cut to help spread the flames.
Inside the home, 45-year-old Michelle Whiting was found dead in a bedroom, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Her death was ruled a homicide. In the living room, 59-year-old Daniel Steele was found dead with a handgun nearby, and his death was ruled a suicide.
Tammy Ventura, Michelle’s best friend, shared heartbreaking details about the events leading up to the tragedy.
“She was no longer in a relationship with Daniel Steele,” Tammy explained. “But he lured her over to his house by telling her he was going to give her a used car he had—a Lexus.”
Michelle had gone to Steele’s home on May 10th to collect the car, but tragically, this visit led to her death the next day.
Tammy added, “He told her he was gonna help her with the car and also help with her daughter’s graduation.”
Michelle had ended a physically abusive relationship with Steele over a year ago. She had even secured a restraining order against him that only recently expired in March.
“They were not together anymore,” Tammy said. “He was obsessed and would not leave her alone.”
Michelle was a devoted mother of three children, with her middle child preparing to graduate high school. Tammy described how much Michelle meant to her children and how hard she worked to provide for them.
“I’m broken from this, but I try to be strong for her kids,” Tammy said. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Michelle’s children through the hardship of losing their mother.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with authorities confirming it was “not accidental.” Neighboring homes suffered damage in the blaze.
