Evansville, IN – Authorities have arrested 53-year-old Michael Kegg in connection with a deadly fire that occurred early Tuesday morning in Francisco, Indiana. Kegg has been charged with murder after law enforcement officials determined that the fire, which claimed the lives of two individuals, was intentional.
According to Sheriff Bruce Vanoven, the investigation revealed that the deaths were not accidental, with officials initially expressing disbelief about the circumstances. “You hope for the best in a tragedy like that,” Sheriff Vanoven said. “There was probably a little bit of denial, and then as they came out and started telling me things, they were like, this is not an accident.”
The fire broke out at a home located on East State Road 64, east of Francisco, shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. One victim was found by the first responding law enforcement officers, while the second was discovered by fire crews. Sheriff Vanoven emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that “yesterday was the worst day in someone’s life, so at that point, I need to seek justice.”
Kegg was identified as a person of interest after investigators learned that the address on his driver’s license matched the location of the residence where the victims were found. Additionally, authorities confirmed that Kegg was involved in divorce proceedings prior to the fire, though it remains unclear whether one of the victims was the petitioner.
The names of the victims have not been released at this time, and the cause of death is still under investigation. Autopsies are scheduled for Thursday, according to the county coroner.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to search for further details surrounding the tragedy. Authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the fire, and Sheriff Vanoven has stressed the importance of seeking justice for the victims.
