Pfc. Gilbreath and Officer Blankenship faced a daunting sight as they arrived at the scene: flames engulfed the house, emanating from the roof, front, and back doors, preventing immediate entry.
Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered three individuals outside the residence: 55-year-old Edward Lary, his 26-year-old son, Timothy Edward Lary, and their 30-year-old neighbor, Quentin Patric Ealy.
Edward Lary urgently informed the police that his wife remained trapped inside the blazing inferno, alleging that his son was responsible for igniting the fire. Pointing to his shirtless son nearby, Edward expressed his desire for Timothy’s arrest.
Upon questioning, Timothy confessed to setting the fire, leading to his swift apprehension and the escalation of the incident to arson.
Alleged Motive and Tragic Outcome
Edward Lary recounted to law enforcement that Timothy’s biological mother owned the property and had been renting it to Edward and his wife. Timothy purportedly demanded that his mother sell the property and provide him with the proceeds, prompting a confrontation.
According to Edward, Timothy had threatened to set the house ablaze earlier in the day. Subsequently, he ignited papers and threw them onto a mattress in his room, initiating the devastating blaze.
In the chaos that ensued, Edward managed to escape the flames, but tragically, his wife did not. Believing she had rushed back inside to rescue their pets, Edward was devastated to later learn of her demise alongside their beloved animals.
Charges and Investigation
Timothy Lary faces a slew of charges including felony murder, neglect of a disabled individual, cruelty to animals, arson, and aggravated assault. A search of his person yielded a torch lighter and a small quantity of marijuana.
Additionally, neighbor Quentin Patric Ealy reported the fire to authorities after overhearing a confrontation between Timothy and his step-mother, expressing concern for her safety.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will send the remains of the deceased to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for further examination.