State May Aid Aretha Arson Probe

The blaze that destroyed Aretha Franklin's home is still perplexing authorities - they've called on the state Attorney General's Office for help.

A meeting of police, fire officials and the OAKLAND COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, California, has failed to produce a consensus on what, if any, charges could be issued.

Prosecutors say "legal and factual complexities" in the case prompted them to request an independent review and analysis by Attorney General MIKE COX's office.

Oakland County officials will offer no additional comment on the case until the state review.

Aretha, dubbed the Queen of Soul, lost her Bloomfield Township mansion in the 25 October (02) blaze, which authorities ruled arson.

The RESPECT diva, 61, was subpoenaed and met with investigators in February (03). She was out of the state at the time of the fire.