Death probes continue in Clark Fork

CLARK FORK — Authorities may be able to positively identify the remains of person that were discovered after a fire swept through a home near the Montana state line.

Investigators are continuing to work with the suspected victim’s family and Bonner County Sheriff Det. Sgt. Gary Johnston said Coroner Kitt Rose may be able to positively identify the man using DNA.

“Kitt thinks she may have found enough to do a DNA profile,” said Johnston.

The remains were recovered from a home on Ford Road that burned down on Oct. 13. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, Johnston said.

The home’s electrical wiring was in poor condition and its primary source of heat was a wood stove. The house was also filled with combustible materials.

“Alcohol was probably a contributing factor,” said Johnston.

Authorities are withholding the man’s identity until the remains can be positively identified. The home was reported occupied by an adult male whose whereabouts remain unaccounted for since the blaze.

Investigators are also continuing to probe the death of a Clark Fork man on Oct. 12.

Jacob Michael Chamberlain, 21, died of a gunshot wound in the 200 block of West Sixth Avenue.

It remained unclear Monday if Chamberlain’s death was a homicide, suicide or an accidental shooting, said Johnston.

“It’s still under investigation,” he added.

A 32-year-old man was with Chamberlain when the shooting occurred and has been cooperating with investigators, Johnston said.

Autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending and Johnston said detectives are still conducting interviews.