Man Now Facing Murder Charges in Sumter Deaths

SUMTER, S.C. (AP) _ A man suspected of setting a Sumter apartment fire that killed two children is now facing murder charges. Timothy Donald Dingle had originally faced attempted murder and first-degree arson charges. But police say those were upgraded Monday after the children’s deaths. Authorities say 10-year-old Aalyah Jackson and her 11-year-old brother, Robert, died Saturday from injuries they suffered in the fire earlier in the week. Authorities say the children were at home alone when emergency officials responded. Police say Dingle was the boyfriend of the children’s mother. They have not released a motive for the fire. Funeral services for the children are set for Thursday.