Louisiana Suspect Arrested in Connection with Setting Fire Relative’s Home While Four People Were Inside
St. Mary Parish, Louisiana – A Louisiana suspect has been arrested in connection with setting fire to a relative’s home while four people were inside.
The Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) has apprehended a man from Franklin who is accused of starting a fire at his family member’s house while four occupants, among them a young child and an elderly lady, were inside.
On Friday, July 14, 28-year-old Javantre Jackson was arrested and charged. He is facing four counts of attempted second-degree murder, along with a single count of cyberstalking.
In the early hours of Monday, July 3rd, at about 2:30 am, the Franklin Fire Department was called for a house fire on Becnel Street, in the 2100 block. Inhabitants of the house reportedly heard an unusual noise outside. Upon investigating, they found that an attached covering around the water heater was ablaze. All the residents managed to evacuate the house safely and with the assistance of a neighbor, they were able to prevent the fire from engulfing the entire home prior to the fire department’s arrival.
After assessing the scene, taking statements from witnesses, and gathering evidence such as local surveillance footage, the deputies concluded that the fire had been deliberately lit and named Jackson as the potential perpetrator. The owner of the home claimed that Jackson had threatened to set the home ablaze on multiple occasions recently. Furthermore, there had been earlier reports of fire at this same location which were believed to be cases of arson.
Jackson was eventually located in Baton Rouge, thanks to further investigative work. The Baton Rouge Police Street Crimes Unit found him in a robbed car from the same area where the house fire took place. Authorities apprehended Jackson as a fugitive due to existing warrants. It’s anticipated that other agencies will bring forth more unrelated charges against him.
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.