In Jacksonville, N.C., a man has been charged with murder in connection with a deadly fire that occurred two weeks ago. Anthony McKinney, 29, has been charged with murder along with several other offenses, including arson, following the fatal incident on January 14. Police have also charged 27-year-old Kennedy Rowe in relation to the case.
The fire took place at a residence located at 105 Arlington Court. When first responders arrived at the scene, firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze but discovered 28-year-old Torence Thomas of Sneads Ferry inside the home. Despite efforts to save him, Thomas was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Initially, two days after the fire, McKinney and Rowe were charged with first-degree arson and felony conspiracy. However, further investigation by Jacksonville police led to additional charges against McKinney, including murder, concealment of death, altering, stealing, or destroying criminal evidence, and larceny. Rowe, meanwhile, has been charged with accessory after the fact, concealment of death, altering, stealing, or destroying criminal evidence, and larceny.
The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Thomas’s death remains ongoing. The charges have drawn attention to the severity of the incident, as authorities continue to piece together details related to the crime. Both McKinney and Rowe are facing serious legal consequences as they are held accountable for their alleged actions in connection with the tragic event.
