Chief Medical Examiner: Mother strangled son, self before Rolesville fire

Medical officials have determined Kristy Bryan and her son, Tyler W. Bryan, 3, who were found dead in their Rolesville home on Dec. 11, died of strangulation. In January, police determined that the case was a murder-suicide.

Posted 6:37 p.m. Feb 24, 2016 — Updated 8:13 p.m. Feb 24, 2016

ROLESVILLE, N.C. — Medical officials have determined Kristy Bryan and her son, Tyler W. Bryan, 3, who were found dead in their Rolesville home on Dec. 11, died of strangulation.

In January, police determined that the case was a murder-suicide, and the autopsy did not change that conclusion.

Autopsies on the pair, released Tuesday, indicate both suffered "ligature strangulation and thermal injuries." They were found side-by-side in bed at their 6205 Roles Saddle Drive home.

A white-tan, plastic ligature consisting of interlocking zip-ties were found encircled around the neck of Tyler Bryan; melted plastic pieces were found on the left and right lateral neck of Kristy Bryan, according to the autopsy report.

A gas can was found in the home, and the investigation revealed the fire started in the master bedroom and was a result of an intentional spread from an ignitable fluid, according to a press release.

"There is no indication of forced entry or struggle in the home. The arson investigators concluded, based on the evidence, that the fire was started by Mrs. Bryan," the release said.

According to an unsealed search warrant, authorities found pills, zip ties, the end of a lighter and computer equipment inside of the home.

"Unfortunately, in these situations, there are often questions we can't answer," said Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. "We have to rely on evidence as it is ... at this point, we are confident with the conclusion we have come to.”

Another child, age 6, lived in the home but had left for school before the fire started. Tyler Bryan’s twin brother was taken to UNC Hospitals.

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