Elderly couple killed in Rockdale house fire

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Rockdale County fire investigators say an elderly couple died in a house fire in the 1500 block of Mountain View Circle.

Firefighters reported to the scene off of Irwin Bridge Road, just after noon on Monday.

Rockdale County sheriff's officials said the bodies of 78-year-old Peggy Stanich and 68-year-old Frank Bitterman II were found inside the home.

"She was always friendly with everybody," Michelle Smith said. "I feel like I lost a sister."

"I used to help her out quite a bit. Get her mail, take the garbage out, carry the groceries in," another neighbor told Channel 2's Ryan Young.

Smith said she tried to knock on the door but no one could get inside to save the couple.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire that was contained to the right front side of the house.

Officials told Young that smoke from the fire may have led to the couple's death.

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WSBTV