A man is facing charges for allegedly setting a Smith County home on fire, killing another man.
Sheriff Joel Houston reported that authorities received a call on May 3 that a home was ablaze on SCR 558 in the Homewood community. Upon arrival by first responders, it was discovered that the homeowner, Frank Black, was unaccounted for and believed to be burning inside the residence. Frank’s remains were later discovered in the home.
An investigation led by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Smith County officials began. 10 days after the house went up in flames, Billy Black, whose presumed relation to Frank has not been made available by law enforcement, was brought in for questioning.
Billy Black was taken into custody and charged with non-residential burglary for an unrelated incident after being questioned by investigators.
On June 18, investigators had gathered enough evidence to bring first-degree arson and first-degree murder charges against Billy Black in connection with Frank’s death.
“These types of cases can be lengthy at times and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we worked diligently on this horrendous case,” Houston said in a press release.
Anyone with information connected to the fire can call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (601)782-4531.
