2 days ago
It began as a residential fire in Matthews Co. Now authorities investigating double homicide and arson.
MATTHEWS COUNTY — What started as first responders reacting to a residential fire Friday night has become a double homicide and arson investigation, authorities said.
At approximately 10 p.m. Friday, first responders were called to the 17000 block of John Clayton Memorial Highway, the Matthews County Sheriff's Office said, and found a residence on fire. A man and woman were found inside by firefighters and were declared dead by authorities.
Investigators found that they both had gunshot wounds, which were likely inflicted before the fire began, the sheriff's office statement read.
Authorities have not released the names of the deceased, pending next of kin notification.
First responders began their examination of what happened at the residence as a fire investigation. It has since been updated to a double homicide and arson investigation.
'We ask our community to pray for the victims' families during this difficult time,' the sheriff's office said in a release.
No additional details were immediately available.
If anyone has any information is asked to contact the Mathews County Sheriff's Office at (804) 725-7177.
