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MENTONE - Indiana State Police believe that last week's explosion at Frank and Jerry's grocery in Mentone was set by the very men it injured and killed.
State Police detective Jeremey Chapman said police found evidence inside the building suggesting that Ismail and Atta Musleh may have set the fire themselves. Officers are still investigating the motive and exact means.
Officers do know that an accelerant was used. As water used to fight the fire drained into the Swick Meredith Ditch, the undisclosed accelerant chemical killed more than 1,200 fish.
County officials say this may not be the first time the Muslehs have allegedly attempted to harm their store. Earlier this year a burglary to Frank and Jerry's was believed to have been committed by its owners, though it was never proven.
Atta Musleh remains in critical condition at the Saint Joseph Regional Burn Center, in a drug-induced coma.
