Seaside fire victim identified, nephew suspected of murder

UPDATE 3/12/19 2:55 p.m.: The body found in a Seaside fire has been identified as 68-year-old Gregory Kolbo.

According to Monterey Police, Kolbo lived at the home on Brittany Road where the fire started.

Investigators discovered Kolbo’s nephew, Erik Olson, lived at the home and was there during the fire. Olson is also the suspect in this murder investigation and is facing charges for Kolbo’s death.

Police said Olson took off on foot before officers arrived the day of the fire.

He was then found by San Jose Police on Friday, March 9th along a dirt path near Woodborough Place. Olson arrested by San Jose Police for homicide and arson. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail before being sent back to the Central Coast to be booked into the Monterey County Jail on first degree murder and arson charges.

Monterey Police said investigators believe shortly after the fire, Olson may have used a ride sharing service to get from Seaside to the Santa Cruz area and then San Jose.

Investigators are looking for more information from witnesses who may have driven Olson. If you know anything please call PRVNT at (831) 646-6926. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact the TipLine at (831) 646-3840.

PREVIOUS STORY:

The man identified as a person of interest in a Seaside house fire has been arrested.

36-year-old Erik Olson was arrested and booked for murder and a fire-related charge.

Olson was wanted for questioning following a man being found dead in the remnants of a burned house in Seaside.

Authorities began investigating the case as a homicide.

A spokesperson with the Presidio of Monterey Police Department told KION the fire started around 3:30 p.m. Thursday at a duplex home in the Marshall Park neighborhood that was formerly Fort Ord.

Firefighters with Presidio of Monterey, Marina and Seaside all responded and quickly put out the flames.

For the original story, click here.

This is a developing story