According to WLOX, on Thursday morning, Picayune police announced the arrest of a man in connection with the deaths of two men found in a fire.
48-year-old Maurice Damon Perkins was arrested and charged on two counts of first-degree murder.
Friday, May 5, Picayune Fire and Police Departments responded to a structure fire on Runway Road that was a total loss.
Police found the remains of two deceased people.
picayuneWLOX reports that Pearl River County Coroner Derek Turnage said he believes the bodies found are father and son.
After an autopsy was conducted, the deaths were ruled homicides. An autopsy was conducted, ruling the cause of death as homicide for both. The names of the victims are not being released until DNA tests are completed.
“The arrest was the result of a constant investigation by Picayune Police CID and planning by Special Response Teams of both Picayune Police Department and Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department,” Picayune Police wrote in a Facebook post. “We appreciate all officers and deputies involved. This arrest was made without incident thanks to them.”
Anyone with information in reference to this active investigation is asked to call Pearl River County Central Dispatch at 601-749-5478, the Picayune Police Tip Line at 601-916-9411 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. An anonymous tip can also be submitted HERE.