Names released in Comstock Park home explosion case
*Doug Preston died and his wife Lucy Preston* survived in critical condition after their Comstock Park home exploded in an attempted murder-suicide early Tuesday morning. Authorities released the couple's names Thursday, along with details that Lucy Preston had filed for divorce just two months before the blast.
The explosion destroyed the family home on Rollaway Drive NE in Plainfield Township at approximately 4 a.m. on May 26. Nearly 50 calls flooded 911 as neighbors reported a massive blast and house fire.
Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir confirmed the investigation points to a premeditated act by Doug Preston.
"We have determined at this point this believes to be a domestic related situation at the home. And that the fire was intentionally set, what we believe by the husband at this point, intending to be a murder suicide," Muir said.
Neighbors pulled Lucy Preston from flames
Two neighbors rushed into the burning home before first responders arrived. Tim Johnson and a 17-year-old teenager from next door pulled Lucy Preston from the wreckage.
Kent County Sheriff's Office said her survival is likely due to their actions.
"Without their actions, it is likely she would have perished in the fire. She has some significant medical-related issues right now and we are hoping for a recovery," Muir said.
Lucy Preston suffered fourth-degree burns and remains on a ventilator at the hospital.
Court records show divorce was underway
Court records obtained by WWMT show Lucy Preston filed for divorce in March. The couple was scheduled for a hearing on Friday, the day after the explosion.
Jerry Orent, who lived next door to the Prestons for 30 years, said Lucy would come over in recent months to talk about marital problems.
"From what she was saying to my wife, I guess he said everything but a compliment to her. Anything he said would be mean, nasty or a swear word. That is not Doug either, which surprised me," Orent told WWMT.
Orent described Doug Preston as an electrician who was Catholic and religious. He said the couple had a good relationship until a few months before the explosion.
"To just give up everything, I just cannot believe it. You just don't blow up your house and wife," Orent said.
Investigators found text messages revealing intent
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said text messages between Doug and Lucy Preston revealed domestic violence and Preston's intention to carry out a murder-suicide.
Investigators from the Plainfield Fire Department said natural gas was intentionally leaked into the basement of the home. The ignition source remains under investigation.
Explosion damaged neighboring homes
The blast was powerful enough to damage surrounding homes. Jerry Orent said his garage was damaged and several windows in his home were blown out.
Steve Huizinga, who lives a few houses down, said he heard two explosions.
"We heard the initial one that woke us up, and then maybe a couple of minutes later, we heard another smaller explosion," Huizinga told WWMT.
Several nearby homes have windows boarded up from the force of the explosion.
Joint investigation continues
The case is a joint investigation among the Plainfield Fire Department, Kent County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Michigan State Police.
Plainfield Fire Chief Jeremy Kelly said an explosion of this magnitude is unlike anything he has seen in his career.
Officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding area or concerns about gas leaks in the neighborhood.
"To the family affected by this, our deepest sorrows for having to deal with a situation so tragic," Muir said during a Tuesday evening news conference. "We really wanted the community to know that this is an isolated incident."