Man accused of beating brother to death with tire iron, setting house on fire
Deputies made an arrest in what they believe was a case of murder and arson between brothers.
James Moses Thomas, 29, charged with arson and the murder of his brother, according to a news release from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Columbia Fire Department reported that a home at 1741 Morninglo Lane caught on fire around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday.
CFD responded house fire @ 11:45am 1741 Morninglo Ln while conduct search 1 victim located RC Coroner & Fire Marshal, @RCSD investigating pic.twitter.com/oSLrQHFx9e
— Columbia Fire (@ColaFire) May 31, 2017
During the search, firefighters found 40-year-old Dante Barksdale dead inside the home, according to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts.
During the investigation, deputies discovered “physical manifestation to the victim’s upper body” and believe he was beaten to death with a tire iron. Investigators also believe the brothers were involved in an altercation.
Watts said an autopsy indicated Barksdale died from blunt head trauma.
Investigators identified Thomas as the suspect through DNA evidence at the scene, according to the release.
Deputies arrested Thomas Wednesday on Morninlo Lane.
Officials have not yet identified the victim.
Thomas was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
This story was originally published June 1, 2017 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Man accused of beating brother to death with tire iron, setting house on fire."