The death of a Columbus man in an arson fire in 1991 has been designated Crime of the Week in the Crime Stoppers program.

Kenneth W. French, 39, and his common-law wife, Joyce Marsee, awoke in a burning back bedroom of their home at 1044 Loretta Ave. about 3 am. July 7, 1991.

French died of smoke inhalation and bums. Marsee escaped through a bedroom window but suffered bums on more than 30 percent of her body.

Arson investigators said flammable liquids had been poured along the north wall from the northeast comer of the house to the bedroom window.

A possible motive, investigators said, was the victims' long feud with drug dealers in the neighborhood.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information received by Dec. 9 leading to an arrest and indictment.

Information received after that date could qualify the caller for a lesser reward.

Call in your information to 645-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers also takes calls about any felony.

Information leading to arrest and indictment could qualify callers for rewards.

A coding system protects the identity of callers but allows them to be contacted later.

Reward money comes from private donations to Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Columbus divisions of police and fire and several private groups.

Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to Crime Stoppers, P.O. Box 1225, Columbus, 43216.