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GBI confirms Tasha Vandiver as second victim of Monroe County house fire

It could take five weeks or more before her daughter returns to Georgia to face murder and arson charges.

FORSYTH, Ga. — GBI medical examiners have confirmed that Tasha Vandiver died in last week's fire at her Monroe County home.

That's according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

They also say it could take five weeks or more before her daughter, 16-year-old Candace Walton, returns to Georgia to face arson and two murder charges.

RELATED: Monroe County teen charged with murder fights extradition

The fire happened Feb. 27 at the home on Old Zebulon Road where Vandiver, her son Gerald Walton, and Candace all lived. Investigators say Gerald also died in the fire.

Candace was arrested the next day in McCracken County, Kentucky, allegedly while driving her mother's car. In a court hearing Monday, she refused to grant extradition.

PADUCAH, Ky. - The Monroe County 16-year-old charged with murdering her special-needs brother and an unidentified person who may be her mother is fighting extradition. According to Monroe County PIO Anna Lewis, Candace Walton had her first appearance Monday morning in Kentucky.

According to the sheriff, that means Georgia authorities must now file what's called a "Governor's Warrant" to forcibly bring her back.

Anna Lewis of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office says they're working on paperwork to apply for that warrant. Once it's delivered to Kentucky, the local court has 30 days to hold a hearing on whether to honor the warrant.

Then, if the judge approves, Kentucky authorities would have to return her to Georgia within five business days.

Investigators still have not confirmed how Gerald and Vandiver died or explained why Candace is accused of killing them.

Editor's Note: The video in this story is from past coverage of the story on Feb. 28.

RELATED: 16-year-old daughter found safe after Monroe County fire kills 2, mother still missing

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