TBI identifies remains found in Chester Co. house fire

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — DNA has confirmed the remains found inside the house fire on Patterson Lane in late January was Brett Anderson, the 46-year-old son of David Anderson, 79, who hasn’t been seen or heard from since the night of the fire.

Brett Anderson

“Looked at the house and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s David Anderson’s house,” neighbor Roger Vandiver said.

Although DNA results confirmed neighbors suspicions, it still leaves the question, where is David Anderson?

“It almost makes me angry because the person that could tell us something is dead,” Vandiver said. “So how are we going to find out?”

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the cause of this suspicious house fire is still under investigation.

Vandiver says David feared one day there would be a fire.

Thomas “David” Anderson

“‘Cause he had already told me he was afraid the boy was going to burn the house down,” Vandiver said. “Because he did a lot of online shipping and buying and stuff. He had the room stacked full of folded up cardboard boxes.”

The TBI released a statement Friday saying, “The TBI and Chester County Sheriff’s Office still want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard from Brett Anderson in the days before the January 24th fire, or have seen or heard from his father Thomas “David” Anderson since January 24th.”

Even though it’s been three weeks since the fire, Vandiver hopes his missing friend is found safe.

“I’m still hopeful. I’m hoping that David is maybe gone on a vacation,” Vandiver said. “He’s a real good friend, and I hope to see him again.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.