A Rochelle man was identified as the victim of an early Sunday morning fire on South Thorpe Road west of Rochelle, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said Monday, Jan. 19.

Duane Meyer, 43, of Stillman Valley, is charged with killing his ex-wife and then setting her home on fire with their 3-year-old son inside. The boy later died at a Rockford hospital.

State investigator said the burn pattern indicated the fire began on the sofa in the first-floor living room where Maggie Meyer's burned body was found.

Forensic pathologists say no soot was found in Maggie Meyers' throat or lungs, indicating she was dead when the fire broke out.

Duane "DC" Meyer is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which his ex-wife was found dead.

Duane Meyer, 43, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire.

After three days of jury selection, a total of eight jurors have so far been seated to decide the fate of a Stillman Valley man charged with killing his ex-wife in 2016 and setting her home on fire. Their 3-year-old son, who was inside the home, also died.

Duane Meyer, 43, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire

Duane Meyer, 43, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which his ex-wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead