Custodial dad charged with aggravated murder in arson fire that killed 2 sons (Greenfield, Ohio)

We've posted on dad WESLEY COONROD before.

http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-info-on-custodial-dad-whose-sons.html
http://dastardlydads.blogspot.com/2010/03/dad-who-appeared-intoxicated-jailed.html

The mother granted him temporary custody while she dealt with some financial setbacks. He repaid the favor by "allegedly" setting a fire at his own home that killed his 2- and 4-year-old sons. Daddy was also drunk as a skunk at the time too, which isn't exactly winning him any sympathy points with prosecutors.

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20100407/UPDATES01/100407017

Prosecutors to push death penalty case against Greenfield father
Man's two sons died in fire he is accused of setting
By ASHLEY PHILLIPS • Gazette Staff Writer • April 7, 2010

GREENFIELD — Almost a month after a fire in Greenfield claimed the lives of two boys, Highland County Prosecutor Jim Grandey said Wednesday he is seeking the death penalty if he can get a conviction against the children’s father, Wesley Coonrod.

On Tuesday, a Highland County Grand Jury returned indictments against Coonrod, 42, of 150 Lafayette St., Apt. A, on two counts each of aggravated murder, murder and child endangering and one count of aggravated arson.

Grandey said the children, Steven, 3, and Thomas, 4, were killed while Coonrod was committing arson.

According the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire broke out about 12:30 a.m. March 7.
Investigators said they charged Coonrod because of his level of intoxication and his actions when the fire started.

He allegedly was walking around drunk outside the burning duplex when emergency crews arrived. Neighbors attempted to gain access to the home to find the boys, but they said the smoke was too thick.

Once firefighters were able to enter the home, they found the children in their bedroom. The boys suffered from burns and died later at the hospital from smoke inhalation, a preliminary coroner’s report found.

Greenfield Police Chief Tim Hester said when crews arrived, the front and back doors of the home were locked.

Coonrod is being detained in the Highland County Jail on a $1 million bond. Grandey said no court date has been set yet because authorities still are waiting for him to obtain special counsel to represent him in the capital murder case.

Phillips can be reached at 772-9376 or via e-mail at phillips@chillicothegazette.com.