ERWIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Unicoi County Sheriff Kent Harris says a fire that destroyed a Bumpass Cove home was set to cover up the suicide of the owner.
Harris said on Friday an autopsy on the body of 61-year-old Walker Scott Brank showed a gunshot wound to his head and minimal inhalation of smoke.
Investigators said Brank -- who Harris said had talked about suicide with family members -- set the fire in his bedroom on Tuesday, then shot himself. His 9 mm pistol was found near his body and a round had been fired.
Harris said Brank had put two beloved dogs outside before the fire was started.
He said Brank was a military veteran who had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
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Information from: Johnson City Press, http://www.johnsoncitypress.com
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