Nothing is left of a Wayland house but rubble and debris. But it was once home to 60-year-old David O'Dell, who was killed in a fire here back in February.
"When fire officials showed up ... the house was already fully involved," said Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. "It could not be saved, and the structure was a total loss."
Now, two people who claimed to be O'Dell's friends are being charged with murder and arson in connection with the fire. Joseph Meyers, 44, and his wife, 37-year-old Iryn Meyers, both face several charges including second-degree murder, first-degree arson, attempted insurance fraud and conspiracy.
Investigators believe they have a motive.
"The allegations are ... there was more than $50,000 on the table for them to gain through insurance policies, and that was the motive, we believe, for the fire," said Baker.
It took several state, county and local police departments to conduct the lengthy investigation.
"Many, many leads were followed; many, many hours were put into this process," said Baker. "This was a long, involved investigation. Obviously our first arrests weren't made for over a month."
Both suspects are being held at the Steuben County jail on bail.
"Obviously, both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty," said Baker. "That's what our law requires. The goal here is to find justice for David O'Dell."
It's a goal O'Dell's friends and family are hopeful will be met soon. Joseph and Iryn Meyers will be arraigned at a later date.