Man accused of blowing up home to hide wife’s murder

By Jennifer Cruz

Lee Anne Pirus (left) and Steven Pirus (right) had been married for 20 years before Lee Anne was killed in the couple’s home several weeks ago. (Photo: Madison Police Department)
A man is facing numerous charges after he allegedly shot his wife, then – several weeks later – tampered with gas lines in order to cause an explosion at the couple’s Madison, Wisconsin, home to cover up the crime.
Steven Pirus, 59, was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree homicide, arson, and reckless endangerment, according to a statement from the Madison Police Department. Police say the reckless endangerment charge stems from the fact that the explosion he is accused of causing put nearby neighbors at risk.
The explosion occurred September 13, and the body of Pirus’ wife, Lee Anne, was not discovered until two days later. Five pets belonging to the couple were also found in the rubble, according to reports from local media.
After his arrest, Pirus admitted to investigators that he shot his wife sometime between July 30 and August 12, then last week tampered with a gas line in the basement and the pilot light on a water heater to cause the explosion, which authorities described as “hellacious.” Prosecutors noted

Source: Guns.com