The stepson of a 55-year-old man whose body was found in the burned-out bedroom of his 'Ewa Beach home met with homicide investigators a day after last week's fire but refused to give a statement, police said yesterday.

Attorney Howard Luke, who is representing Timothy A. Ardarna, had no comment yesterday. Police were seeking to question Ardarna after being told by neighbors that Robert Ramos and his stepson had argued just before Thursday's fire broke out at 91-623 Kilipoe St.

Investigators said an accelerant may have been used to start the fire.

An autopsy determined Ramos had been stabbed, beaten and bled to death. The manner of death is listed as a homicide.

Lt. Bill Kato, head of Honolulu police homicide investigations, confirmed yesterday that Ardarna's mother contacted police and brought her son in to meet with investigators on Friday. The meeting was brief as Ardarna refused to talk with police and now has an attorney.

"The investigation is continuing," Kato said, noting that police are awaiting results of lab tests on physical evidence and collecting witness statements.

On the day of the fire, Ramos parked his truck in front of his home shortly before 10 a.m. and ran into the house to pick up something, according to witnesses. Neighbors said they heard an argument and saw a man who looked like Ardarna come out of the house and ride away on a bicycle.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.