WARREN, Ohio - The victim of an October 24th fire sought police protection a week before he was murdered. 

Authorities say on October 11th Charles McNear went to the Warren Police Department asking for help to get a man out of his house.

Just one week before his murder, McNear filed for a civil stalking protection order against a 42-year-old he said he let stay at his home on Ivanhoe Street Northeast.

In that statement McNear reported that there was, "Verbal and physical abuse. Will not leave my home. I am scared he will hurt me. I do not want him in my home. He put a chair against my face. He does not live with me. He is not wanted there."

Lt. Jeff Cole with Warren Police Department says this is one avenue detectives are pursuing.  "We are concentrating on Friday night's event that resulted in the loss of two lives, a fire. If there was a stalking protection order we will explore that avenue. We just want to get whoever is responsible for this in custody to make sure the city of Warren is safe and we don't have this person running around Warren." Cole said.

Police also say the 42-year-old whom McNear wanted out of his home has a lengthy criminal history.

Autopsy results show McNear and his girlfriend. Sophie Stefek, were both shot before a fire was set to cover the crime.

Fire chief Ken Nussle says there were two separate origins of fire, one inside the house the second on the porch.  "After ruling out all other possible causes, there was only one conclusion. It was intentionally set," Nussle said.

A hearing on that protection order was scheduled to take place November 5th.

At this time police are not saying the individual is a suspect but say they are following all leads.