Tips sought in Mayfield Heights arson

Authorities are seeking tips from the public regarding an arson that claimed the lives of two people.

The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is seeking tips from the public regarding a Nov. 20 Mayfield Heights arson that claimed the lives of two people.

According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, 41-yearold Rebecca Pletnewski was killed by cervical compression with sharp force injuries before the fire at her 151 Longwood Road home. Pletnewski’s 8-year-old daughter Olivia Schneider died from smoke inhalation in the fire.

Both deaths were ruled homicides by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The fire was first reported at 1:15 a.m., Nov. 20. It heavily damaged the first and second floors of the home and burned through the roof.

An investigation into the fire is being conducted jointly by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Mayfield Heights Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728.