Authorities in Omaha say two people died and two others are in critical condition after a home explosion and subsequent fire early Tuesday morning.
Following the deadly explosion, it was discovered that the homeowner, 74-year-old Theresa Toledo, had filed a petition for a domestic abuse protection order against 27-year-old Alexander Toledo, stating her relationship as his grandmother.
Theresa wrote in the petition, “Alex is on meth, mushrooms that I’m aware of, I haven’t been able to see my grandchildren since summer because they are afraid of him as he talks to himself and says his stepfather is in his head, which is not true…he has put holes in the basement walls where he stays and you can’t even walk in the basement. He has electronics in the walls & ceiling. I’m afraid he will start my house on fire.”
Toledo also described her grandson’s alleged criminal history with narcotics. She concluded the petition by writing, “I need Alex out of my house now before he destroys my house or harms me, the drugs make him crazy.”
The house that exploded is a complete loss and was leveled in the explosion. Some surrounding homes have extensive damage.
This is so sad, protection orders do not stop people who are hell-bent on harming themselves or others. It’s too bad that there is no way to solve this problem.
Drugs, mental issues and pure desperation are triggers that we cannot do much for.