Manziel Fire Remains under Investigation

LAKE TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s continuing its investigation of a reportedly suspicious house fire that broke out Wednesday morning and resulted in the total loss of a Lake Tyler residence belonging to Paul Manziel of Tyler. Manziel is the grandfather of football star Johnny Manziel. According to a county news release, the Fire Marshal’s Office has completed processing of the scene and released it back to the owner. Officials say that’s been done with assistance from ATF, including a canine and task force officer from the Denton Fire Department.

Officials say the Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to interview witnesses and working with Smith County Sheriff’s Office criminalists to process evidence collected at the scene. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time, according to officials. In the news release, Fire Marshal Jay Brooks does say officials “are interested in speaking with anyone who may have been in the area the night of this fire and witnessed any suspicious activity, or those who may have any other related information. Please contact the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2655.”