Simmesport, Louisiana – A 32-year-old Lettsworth, Louisiana man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson in connection with a house fire that occurred in Simmesport, Louisiana earlier this month. Eddie Williams, who is the ex-boyfriend of the adult female resident of the home, was taken into custody on Tuesday, October 1.
According to a statement released by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM), the Simmesport Fire Department responded to a house fire located in the 500 block of South Martin Luther King Drive in the early morning hours of September 7. Fortunately, a mother and her four children, who were inside the home at the time of the fire, were able to escape safely.
Through a thorough investigation, Louisiana SFM deputies identified Williams as a suspect in the case. An arrest warrant was subsequently obtained, and Williams turned himself in shortly thereafter. He was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Jail on five counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.
Aggravated arson is a serious offense that involves intentionally setting fire to a building or other structure with the knowledge that people are inside. In this case, the fact that a mother and her four children were inside the home at the time of the fire makes the charges against Williams even more severe.
The Louisiana SFM’s investigation into the Simmesport fire is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Williams is currently being held in the Avoyelles Parish Jail, and his bond has not been set.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.