HANCOCK, Md. -- A Washington County man is accused of starting the fire that killed his girlfriend's two daughters.
Clarence Meyers was charged with arson, child abuse and murder on Friday and is being held without bond.
State police said their investigation led to incriminating evidence against Meyers, who was charged after he met with investigators at the Hagerstown barracks Thursday night.
The bodies of 12-year-old Mary and 15-year-old Nicole Gross were found in a second-floor bedroom Monday, state police said. An autopsy showed both died of smoke inhalation with thermal injuries.
Meyers and the girls' mother, Melissa Lindeman, escaped with injuries.
Meyers gave investigators an undisclosed reason for starting the fire, Deputy State Fire Marshal Joseph Zurolo said.
The fire started in the basement of the home. Damage to the home and its contents was estimated at $90,000.
