Hinds county house fire where man found dead ruled an arson

Published 7:07 am Thursday, July 12, 2018

BOLTON, Miss. (AP) — Authorities say arson caused a central Mississippi house fire where a 55-year-old man was found dead.

Hinds County Sheriff’s Maj. Pete Luke tells news outlets that Jerry Andrew Watson was found inside the Bolton home after fire crews were called out late Tuesday night.

Luke says Watson’s body was taken to the state Crime Lab in Pearl for an autopsy.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Investigators from the sheriff’s office and the state Fire Marshal’s office ruled the blaze to be intentionally set.

A reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tips should be called in to the state Fire Marshal’s office at 601-359-1061 or 1-888-648-0877.