TBI seeks public’s help in Chester Co. house fire investigation

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — The TBI is asking for the public’s assistance in their investigation of a suspicious house fire last month in Finger.

Chester county investigators along with Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are still working to determine what led to a fatal fire on Jan. 24 in Finger.

“We don’t know who the identity is of the individuals in the fire, but we know Brett has not been seen or heard from and neither has his father,” TBI Public Information Officer Susan Niland said.

TBI investigators are now asking for the public’s help to find the men who lived in that home on Patterson Lane.  After a week, 46-year-old Brett Anderson and his 79-year-old father, Thomas “David” Anderson, are still missing.

“So if anybody has seen or had contact with either of these individuals since Jan. 21, we would be very interested in learning more about that,” Niland said.

Although neighbors say they believe it was Brett’s body that was found in the house after the fire, the TBI says DNA has not confirmed that person’s identity and that DNA results may take several weeks.

Investigators are also asking if anyone has seen the men’s vehicles since Jan. 21. David Anderson drove a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer that has an “Action Vans Inc.” plate on the front. Brett Anderson drove a 1993 Chevrolet Lumina with Tennessee plates reading 354-HSC.

“So if these look familiar to anybody or if anybody has been in contact, received emails, text messages, seen either of these men, we would like to hear from them,” Niland said.

What started the house fire that destroyed the Andersons’ home one week ago is still under investigation.

“It is suspicious in nature, but the exact cause has not yet been determined. This is still a very active and ongoing investigation,” Niland said.

Anyone who may have seen either of the men or their vehicles is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.