A Vicksburg couple is facing charges in connection to a house fire that claimed the life of an elderly man.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office reports that 50-year-old Carolyn Mansfield and 74-year-old Albert Thomas are locked up on first-degree murder and arson charges after 75-year-old Ernest Gleese was killed in the blaze at a residence on Speed Street in the River City.
Mansfield is accused of setting the house on fire following an argument she had with Gleese over drugs. Thomas, who is said to be Mansfield’s boyfriend, is alleged to be an accomplice to the crime.
The female suspect confessed to authorities that she set the home ablaze. Her bond was set at $1.75 million. A bench warrant has been issued for Thomas’ arrest.
State Fire Marshal Supervisor Kevin Butler was the lead investigator in this case. The Vicksburg Fire Department and the Vicksburg Police Department assisted him.
