Man set fire to Whiteland home and business before shooting himself, investigators say

WHITELAND, Ind. – A man shot himself him and set fire to his home and business Wednesday night in Johnson County, investigators say.

Authorities were called to the 4600 block of North Graham Road around 8 p.m. in response to reports of a large fire in Whiteland that could be seen from I-65 in Franklin.

The fire involved a home, a barn and a garage. The structure also housed a business called Rush Graphics.

The Johnson County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 70-year-old John Fulling. Investigators said he’d been suffering from health and financial difficulties of late. He’d made arrangements for others to access his email and other accounts and had also given away certain possessions. He lived alone and owned the home and business.

Evidence at the scene indicated that gasoline had been poured throughout the house and business. Several gasoline cans were found at the scene. Investigators believe Fulling set the fire and then took his own life. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the coroner said.

“A neighbor saw flames coming out of the house and made the 911 call,” said Jason Ramey with the Bargersville Fire Department. “Another neighbor made their way over to the structure and broke out a window. They were told that someone was trapped inside.”

The ATF and state fire marshal also responded to the scene. The structures were a complete loss.

INFORMATION: Police and Fire are on scene at Rush Graphics off of Graham Rd. The investigation is on going. pic.twitter.com/ceDOfxRgYL

— Whiteland Police (@WhitelandPolice) September 7, 2017