The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office late yesterday released more details of a recent fatal house fire.

Firefighters and officers responded in the early morning hours of December 3, 2023, to the home on Flathead Road and discovered the body of 66-year-old Gale Meister in the rubble of the residence.

After retrieving her body, officers learned she sustained a gunshot wound before the fire.

During the investigation, investigators identified 57-year-old Frank Lackey of Nashville as someone living with Meister when the fire happened.

Shortly after responding to the fire, officers learned Lackey and Meister’s car was missing from the home.

Law enforcement tracked Lackey down to Rutherford County.

A TBI agent saw Lackey driving Meister’s car.

A Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office deputy tried to stop Lackey.

Lackey fatally shot himself before officers could intervene.

The investigation ruled the incident a domestic homicide, arson, and suicide.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Meister during this difficult time. We hope that the conclusion of this investigation will bring some measure of closure to the family and friends of Ms. Meister,” said Cumberland County Sheriff Casey Cox.