The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.
“Firefighters located a woman and a five-year-old boy who was badly burned. Both of them were transported to area hospitals where unfortunately that child was pronounced dead and the woman remains in critical condition,” Rodrigue said.
49-year old Derwin Hamilton has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
Rodrigue said the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Hamilton were involved in an argument.
“That during an argument Hamilton poured a liquid on her and the child and and set them on fire,” Rodrigue said.
The child is reportedly the suspect’s great-nephew. Rodrigue said the incident has shaken the small community.
“The ultimate danger is when the fire is used to commit a crime and in this instance, that crime resulted in the tragic death of an innocent child and left his guardian in a critical condition,” Rodrigue said.