Burned bodies probe now called homicide

The investigation into the fire and burned bodies that may be linked to the mysterious disappearance of a Benicia family of three has been classified as a homicide and arson, a spokesman for the El Dorado County sheriff ’s office said Wednesday.

Investigators also found a “possible third set of remains” inside the cabin where two bodies had been previously located and removed, according to the statement.

“The incident is being treated as a homicide and arson investigation at this time,” the statement from Sheriff John D’Agostini said.

Previously, the sheriff ’s office would not say if it suspected foul play in connection with the deaths, the fire or the family’s disappearance.

None of the bodies has been identified.

Deputies had removed two badly burned bodies from the cabin in the Garden Valley area north of Placerville after the fire was reported Sept. 13. The cabin is owned by Benicia resident Adam Buchanan, 37, who along with his wife, Molly McAfee, 36, and their 7-year-old son, Gavin, went missing two days earlier.

In the aftermath of the deadly blaze, El Dorado sheriff ’s deputies searched Buchanan’s home and office in Benicia and seized records, computers and a pickup truck.

Investigators have declined to say if the bodies are linked to the missing family.

“Until the bodies are identified, there are a million possible scenarios,” said sheriff ’s Sgt. Todd Hammitt.

Buchanan’s father, Howard, a resident of Solano County, was distraught to hear the latest twist in the disappearance of his loved ones, according to family attorney Stephen Gizzi.

“When there were only two bodies, there was always a certain amount of hope,” Gizzi said. “Now there is a certain amount of finality. You never want to give up hope, but you can’t take a vacation from reality, either.”

Gizzi said the family was particularly upset to receive the latest information from news reporters instead of sheriff ’s investigators.