North Carolina Authorities Investigate House Fire as Arson

The home of a gay couple in Clayton, North Carolina, was destroyed by a fire early Friday morning. According to Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell, the incident is being investigated as arson. The couple, who were out of town at the time, are now residing in a motel and are receiving food and clothing from the Red Cross. They asked that local journalists not reveal their names out of safety concerns. Neighbors report that the couple has suffered harassment before. One neighbor cited three specific incidents, including a note containing derogatory language, an anti-gay slur written on the couple?s house and having the tires on one of their cars slashed. Sheriff Bizzell confirmed that he was aware of two of the incidents, but he would not go into detail. Another neighbor expressed sympathy for the couple, saying that they lost everything in the fire. Bizzell said there are no suspects at this time.Related Media Coverage:WRAL.com - February 6, 2011"Sheriff: Fire Destroys Gay Couple's Home; Under Investigation as Arson"http://www.digtriad.com/news/most_popular/article.aspx?storyid=160099&provider=top

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