Two found dead in Southern Pines house fire
SOUTHERN PINES, NC (WTVD) -- The Southern Pines Police Department, along with state officials, are investigating an early morning house fire that left two people dead and sent another person to the hospital.
According to the Southern Pines Police Department, the fire broke out around 3 a.m. Monday in a home off West Lowe Avenue. The SBI has joined the investigation and they have not ruled out arson.
The Aberdeen Times reports firefighters were called to the scene just before 3 a.m.
They were able to quickly get the blaze under control, but found a body within a few feet of a door. The second body was found later.
A person in the home was taken to the hospital reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation.
Family members identified one of the victims as William "Willie" Sloan, 72, a retired carpet layer. They said Sloan was a popular, outgoing man who had rented a room from the homeowner, 70-year- old Laverene Hallman.
Sloan's son told ABC11 his father's body was found near the doorway of his bedroom. The family believes an arsonist is behind the blaze.
"From me hearing that there was an argument and somebody say they heard gunshots, I feel like somebody set the house on fire," said Jerard Jones. "I don't think it was no electrical problem or nothing. I feel like it was on purpose."
Neither family members nor authorities were able to identify to the second victim found dead, but Hallman was able to make it out with a few injuries to the left side of her face.
She said she doesn't remember much, because she was sleeping when the fire started and fell during her exit of the home.
"There's a lot of speculation going around," said Hallman. "He (Sloan) had a disagreement with some guy. Only thing I know is somebody ran in and got me out."
