Florida Man Accused of Killing 2 Children, Aged 7 and 9, Before Setting Home on Fire: ‘Heartbreaking and Senseless’

A Florida man has been accused of killing two young children and setting their home on fire, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO).

On Friday, Nov. 7, ECSO investigators responded to what they described as a “tragic fire,” where a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old were found dead, per a Facebook post.

The incident took place at a trailer on Flaxman Street, Sheriff Chip Simmons said in a video update. He confirmed both children had been killed before the fire began, and one had been s*xually assaulted.

Authorities identified the suspect as John Henry Walston, Jr., 27, who is currently being held without bond, according to jail records.

The fire occurred at Grand Oak Mobile Home Park, WEAR ABC 3 News reported. The victims were identified as 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith.

According to the sheriff’s office, the fire “was intentionally set after the children were killed.” Investigators said, “Evidence shows that John Henry Walston, Jr. assaulted one of the children before killing them both. He then set the fire before saving himself.”

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence,” the ECSO post added. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to these children and their families during this unimaginable time.”

Walston has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder, one count of s*xual assault on a victim under 12, and one count of arson.

Sheriff Simmons said in the video message, “I don’t know what else I can say about this terrible event except for please hug your children.”

WEAR ABC 3 News reported that Walston was one of two adults treated at a hospital after the fire. The other was the children’s mother, who had run into the burning trailer in an attempt to rescue them.

Tyler Smith, father of Rayden and stepfather of Vayden, told the station that the home belonged to Walston and that he had known the suspect for years. He said the children were staying with Walston at the time of the fire.

“How can you expect any human being to do this?” Smith said. “Let alone an adult with two kids.”

Neighbor John Wenzel told the outlet that the children’s mother suffered burns while trying to save them. “She went into the trailer trying to get them. That’s a mother’s love. That’s why she’s in the Mobile Burn Center. She went inside the house trying to get her kids, but it was too hot. They finally got her out of there,” Wenzel said.

The suspect is also accused of killing a dog found dead inside the home, according to the publication. Walston’s first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 26.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for additional information.