Deadly VB condo fire ruled accidental

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A fire at a Virginia Beach condo that killed an elderly couple in April has been ruled accidental, according to Bat. Chief Tim Riley.

The actual cause of the fire at the Lynnhaven Beach Condos off Shore Drive is still undetermined, though. Riley said investigators were able to tell where the fire started, but could not determine what sparked it. Investigators ruled out any criminal activity.

Fire crews were called out to 2305 Beach Haven Dr. the morning of April 13. It took firefighters nearly an hour to get it under control.

Benjamin and Patricia Joyce were killed in a second floor condo. The husband and wife were longtime residents of the complex.

At least 22 people from a total of 14 apartments were displaced because of the fire, but there were no other injuries.

Initially, officers said they were searching for a homeless man in connection to the case, but they later discovered that man was in jail the morning of the fire.