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Monroe County Crime Stoppers seeking help in arson/homicide

Monroe County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest in an arson/homicide investigation.

Pennsylvania State Police Swiftwater is seeking the public's assistance in solving the following incident: On Monday morning, March 22, 2010, at approximately 4:36 a.m., the Delaware Water Gap Fire Company was dispatched at the rear of the Water Gap Diner, on Broad Street in Delaware Water Gap Borough, Monroe County, for the report on a fully involved structure fire. Upon arrival, members of the fire company encountered the victim, Rigas Ioannidis, 71, of 70 Main St., Box 110, Delaware Water Gap. The victim lived in an upstairs apartment at the read of the Water Gap Diner, which was co-owned by him and his wife. Upon arrival of fire company members to the scene, the victim was at the corner of the building and was described as badly burned all over his body. The victim was transported to the burn unit of Lehigh Valley Medical Center where he later died from injuries he suffered as a result of the fire.Troop N, Hazleton Fire Marshall, Cpl. Shawn Hilbert was requested to conduct an investigation in order to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Trooper Hilbert determined that the fire was intentionally set.Anyone with information on this "Crime of the Week" or any other serious crime or wanted person should call Monroe County Crime Stoppers at 1 (866) 370-1518. Callers could be eligible for cash rewards and may remain anonymous.