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Community reacts to teen's arrest in Giles Co. arson case

By Trang Do - Bio | Email

PULASKI, TN (WAFF) - Police have a teenager in custody after a deadly arson that killed a family of three, and authorities said they're close to arresting a second suspect.

The fire happened early Friday morning on Milky Way Drive in Pulaski, Tennessee in Giles County. 

Sheriff Kyle Helton told WAFF 48 News that investigators know exactly who this person is, but will not reveal his identity until he is formally charged.

Helton said  that could happen as early as Monday or Tuesday.

"It's probably, in my opinion, the most absolute tragic thing that has happened in the 200 year history of Pulaski," said Mayor Dan Speer. 

Like the rest of this small, tight-knit community, Speer is in shock over the deaths of well-known businesswoman Desere Thornton and her two sons, 9-year-old Anthony and 16-year-old Jerrod.

The family was killed after police said their home was intentionally set on fire.

"We're going to spend years asking why and how this could happen. It's just not supposed to happen in rural Tennessee," Speer said. 

Community members said even more shocking is the arrest of 18-year-old William Charles Angel, Jr., a classmate of Jerrod Thornton's at Richland High School in Lynnville.

Angel is charged with three counts of first degree murder. 

"I think it's horrible. I mean, I've got grandchildren," said Joni Minatra, a Pulaski resident.

Sheriff Helton confirmed to WAFF 48 News that gasoline was used to start the blaze.

But he remained tight-lipped on the second suspect in the case who has yet to be charged, and a possible motive. 

Angel's arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday at the Giles County Courthouse in Pulaski.

Angel is currently being held at the Giles County Jail on no bond.

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