(Harlan, Ky.) On August 16, 2015 at 1:55 a.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call about a house fire in the Stanfill community of Harlan County. Post 10 dispatcher was notified that a female may be trapped inside of the residence.
Troopers from Post 10 responded to the residence. Preliminary investigations indicates that a 26 year old woman was inside the residence at the time of the fire. The female was unable to make it out of the residence and was pronounced deceased by the Harlan County Deputy Coroner Jim Rich.
KSP Arson Investigator Josh Bunch was called to the scene to conduct an investigation as well as the State Fire Marshal.
KSP Det. Josh Howard is in charge of the investigation. Also assisted at the scene were Tpr. Taylor Mills, Tpr. Brandon Burton, Sgt James Sandlin, Deputy Coroner Jim Rich, members of the Sunshine and Harlan Co Fire Departments.
UPDATE
Melissa Brown, 30, of Harlan and Christopher Hill, 44, of Cumberland have been arrested and both are charged with Arson 1st degree and Murder.
Both are lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center. Case is still under investigation by K.S.P. Det Josh Howard.
Photos of the accused courtesy of the Harlan County Detention Center
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