GRAHAM, Wash., April 12 (UPI) -- A burned-out Graham, Wash., house where Josh Powell killed his sons and then himself has been demolished, county officials said.
Demolition workers knocked down what remained of the house and hauled it away Wednesday. Owner Patrick Small, who leased the house to Powell, said the demolition was a relief.
"Every time the neighbors walk out the door, they get reminded just by looking," Small told The Tacoma News Tribune. "It's a horrible sight to look at."
Police found Powell and his sons Charlie, 7, and Braden, 5, dead inside the home on Feb. 5. It appeared Powell had struck both boys with a hatchet before setting fire to the house. Since that night, the scorched frame of the house loomed as a reminder of the tragedy.
"I've had a couple of realtors come and take a look," Small said. "They said it's unsellable because of the traumatic impact."
The house was worth $158,900 before the fire, and insured for $100,000. "I'm out about 60,000 bucks," Small said.
By Wednesday afternoon, the house was nothing more than a pile of concrete.
Members of the community have suggested new uses for the lot, such as playground or a memorial.
