AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Police say they've arrested a man on charges of murder and arson following a Sunday night house fire in southeast Austin.
APD says 31-year old Zachary Salinas allegedly set the fire in the 9000 block of Meridian Oak Lane Sunday night just before 11 p.m.
After putting the fire out, firefighters found 36-year old John Ryan Kern with stab wounds. He died at the scene a short time later, officials said.
Investigators believe Salinas tried to "burn down the house to destroy evidence," according to an APD release.
In addition to first-degree murder and arson charges, Salinas is also facing a charge of tampering with evidence.
The case is Austin's 18th homicide of 2023. Anyone with information on the case is urged to call APD at 512-974-8477, or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.