2022-07-22 1
4-year-old girl found dead in house fire, suspect arrested for arson
Friday, July 22nd 2022
Authorities say Humberto Martinez is suspected of starting a fire that claimed the fire of a 4-year-old girl. (Lubbock County Detention Center)
Perryton, Texas (KVII) —
A 4-year-old girl was found dead in a Texas house fire, according to authorities.
A suspect in the case -- 39-year-old Humberto Martinez -- was arrested Thursday by the Department of Public Safety in Lubbock.
Martinez was charged with second degree felony arson.
This is a complex criminal investigation that involves several investigative agencies, analysis of evidence by several labs, and interview of witness," said Police Chief Mike Smith. "Each of these investigative steps take time and coordination between involved agencies. Because of these factors, we will not be answering any questions concerning the ongoing investigation at this time."
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Texas Rangers, are are involved in the investigation.
Just before 10 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, the Perryton Police Department and Perryton Fire Department responded to a house fire at 802 S. Drake.
When they arrived, witnesses said they believed a young girl was inside the home.
Firefighters and police rushed inside and found the child dead on a bed.
A second person was found in the home, possibly suffering from smoke inhalation. The person was transported to Ochiltree General Hospital and transferred to a hospital in.
Perryton police said "the fire seemed to have started on the bed."
The girl's body was sent to Lubbock for autopsy.