Dallas

Dallas Homicide Detectives Now Investigating Fatal House Fire

Dallas homicide detectives are now looking into the mysterious death of prominent Dallas attorney Ira Tobolowsky, who died in a house fire last Friday.

Investigators say that fire may have been arson.

Police have not named any suspects, and the case is not officially classified as a homicide.

The Dallas Medical Examiner's Office has not ruled how Tobolowsky has died, and said a final determination could take weeks.

Dallas arson investigators say the fire that originated in the garage where his body was found is suspicious.

Dallas-Fire Rescue said that the Dallas Police Department is now the "lead agency" in the criminal investigation.

Dallas police confirm homicide detectives are working the case. A homicide detective was in court with Tobolowsky's family Wednesday, but beyond that police are not saying anything more.

A law enforcement source tells NBC 5 that investigators are still trying to track down Steven Aubrey, of Austin. Investigators handed out his photo to Dallas judges and court staffers.

A Dallas County District Court Judge expressed fears for his safety and recused himself from a civil case Wednesday while making a direct connection between the defendant in the lawsuit and the possible murder of a prominent Dallas attorney.

Aubrey is party to a highly contentious family trust lawsuit. He's faced Tobolowsky in court many times over that civil litigation, and Tobolowsky had sued him for defamation. Aubrey did not show up to Dallas court Wednesday to defend a legal motion he filed.

Tobolowsky's cousin, well-known actor Stephen Tobolowsky, tweeted that he's still grieving and he wants answers about what happened.

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The tweet read:

"Ira was a wonderful man. Generous and just. Filled with wisdom and humor. I trust the police will get to the bottom of it all."

A family spokesperson said the lack of answers is still very difficult for the family. The entire family is trying to stay strong ahead of a wedding for one of Tobolowsky's three adult sons at the end of the month.

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