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Rape Suspect Now Being Investigated For Fire That Killed Alleged Victim

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (KDKA) – The suspect in the rape of a child is reportedly now being investigated in connection with the fire that claimed that young girl's life.

Police searched the home of Robert Seman Jr. Thursday evening.

He was scheduled to go on trial on Monday, but his trial was delayed and his bond was revoked after the fire earlier that morning, which killed his alleged victim: a 10-year-old girl and her grandparents.

Corrine Gump was killed in the fire just hours before she was to testify against Seman.

Dozens of officers searched Seman's home for several hours Thursday, but no one would comment on what, if any, evidence was uncovered.

But one source leaked information about Seman, saying workers at the Mahoning County Jail discovered burns on Seman's hands that he tried to conceal with makeup. He was later transported to the hospital.

A series of explosions, followed by the fast-moving blaze, claimed the lives of those three family members. The grandparents, Judy and Bill Schmidt, were both deaf. They were taking care of their granddaughter in their Youngstown home.

A little girl, according to court records, who was allegedly sexually assaulted since age 4 at the hands of Robert Seman.

As sensitive details are revealed, police grow frustrated.

A police captain did issue a statement saying, "If I find out who is providing confidential information to non-law enforcement personnel in reference to an ongoing investigation, I will have plenty to say at that time."

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