DELAWARE WATER GAP -- A nearly six-year investigation into a deadly arson in Monroe County is now closed because the only suspect is dead.
The man investigators call their one and only suspect in the arson at the Water Gap Diner in 2010 died in October from a drug overdose.
Investigators sifted through the charred apartments behind the Water Gap Diner back in March of 2010, trying to determine who was responsible for a deadly arson.
The fire killed owner Rigas Ioannidis.
Now nearly six years later, that homicide investigation is officially over.
"We met with a representative of the victim's family, explained the situation and at this point we're going to close out the investigation,” said Monroe County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso.
State police believe that back in 2010, the suspect had been dealing drugs to a tenant in one of the apartments attached to the back of the diner.
"He was, use the term 'ripped off' by one of the people living down there, and this might have been his motive to go back and do what he'd done,” said Trooper Robert Sebastianelli.
Investigators were waiting to bring charges and justice for Ioannidis because a key witness was locked up in another state.
“That witness could destroy an alibi that the suspect had concocted. So it was very important,” said Mancuso.
The Ioannidis family just sold the diner last month and now that this arson investigation is closed, they say, they finally have some closure.
“We were expecting other things to happen, but that's it. We found out he's deceased, case closed, and yes, now we do have closure” said the victim’s son Nick Ioannidis.
The Ioannidis family ran the Water Gap Diner for about 30 years before it was sold.
Now they believe Rigas Ioannidis left a legacy in this part of the Poconos.
“I remember my dad always, always helping people out one way or another,” said Nick Ioannidis.
Investigators say their suspect had admitted to setting other fires in New York State and had an extensive criminal record.