Neighbors Skeptical of Tuttle Couple's Story of Home Invasion, Fire

By Gan Matthews, News 9

TUTTLE, Oklahoma -- A Tuttle couple claimed a home invasion led to the burning of their home in last month, but some of their neighbors said they have a few doubts.

After their house in Tuttle burned down last month, Justine and Christina Neidel said their home had been invaded by three masked, Spanish speaking men who handcuffed them to chairs, set the house on fire, and then fled the scene. The Neidels said they managed to free themselves from the chairs and run to a neighbor's house before the fire consumed their home.

Jeremy Despain is one neighbor who has doubts about that story.

"Very, very just unbelievable. It's bogus," Despain said.

Despain said he believes the Neidel's account is fabricated, and he's not alone. Other neighbors have said they have similar misgivings.

However, one woman who lives nearby said she can't bring herself to believe the Neidels she knows would be capable of such deception. She said they are active in Little League and church and aren't the kind of people who would endanger themselves or their neighbors through an act of arson.

The state Fire Marshal has ruled the fire was deliberately set. The OSBI said its investigation is continuing, and the Tuttle Police Chief said everyone is a suspect right now, including the Neidels.

The Neidel's attorney said the couple has cooperated fully with the inquiry into the fire, and they will have no comment again until the investigation is complete.

More:

• Investigators Piecing Together Tuttle Home Invasion, Fire
• 911 Call Released from Tuttle Home Invasion, Fire
• Fire Marshal: Tuttle Fire Was Intentionally Set