EL PASO--- It's been one year since an explosion rocked an exclusive Las Cruces neighborhood.
Tonight, we learn more about an ongoing conflict between law enforcement and the owner of the property.
A year ago, piled rubble and a gaping hole at the side of what was once a home was all that could be seen at Deadwood Camp Ct.
Now, the wall surrounding the property's been repaired and the lot's been cleared away.
"From the appearance standpoint, everybody in the neighborhood's happy. But we'd still like to know what really happened," said Jonathan Davis, a neighbor whose home was damaged in the blast.
We're told the Dona Ana Sheriff's Dept. and Fire Marshal's office know a cause and origin of the explosion but are refusing to release details.
We do know there's an ongoing conflict between the property owners, who now live in Ruidoso, and the county.
Paul and Kim Hering have filed an intent to sue.
They claim representatives from the Sheriff's Dept., "...have repeatedly referred to the scene of the fire... as a crime scene and have stated and/or implied that Paul Hering and/or Kim Hering are suspects in the commission of a crime..."
A sheriff's spokesman says they have no suspects because there's been no formal determination whether the explosion was accidental or intentional.
The tort claim filed by the Herings says there's evidence to prove otherwise, saying specifically, "...forensic evidence indicates that the fire resulted from an accidental propane leak."
However, the lawyer does not cite who claimed the leak was the cause.
Their lawyer goes on further, saying, "...the failure and/or refusal of the Sheriff's Department to complete its investigation and issue its report is retaliation for the Herings' election... to decline participation in a polygraph test."
We tried to get a hold of the Herings but were unsuccessful.
We should also mention the Sheriffs Dept. will not comment on the allegations made in this document.
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