Homicide, Arson Person of Interest Identified as Columbia Firefighter
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announces that the person of interest previously being sought for questioning in connection with a deadly arson investigation has been identified as an active Columbia firefighter.
Officers received various tips on the man’s positive identification after CPD released surveillance pictures of him this morning.
After being contacted by law enforcement today, the firefighter refused to be questioned and requested an attorney.
Investigators believe that the man has material information to the circumstances surrounding the arson which resulted in the death of 80-year- old True Dent Henderson at Plantation Court Apartments last Sunday.
According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, the victim, 80-year- old True Dent Henderson died from smoke inhalation.
The intentionally set fire is being investigated by CPD, the Columbia Fire Department (CFD) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Related: Overnight Fire Claims One Life
If you have an information that could help with the investigation, citizens are encouraged to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways: call 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372), text to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with “TIPSC,” followed by the tip information or go to: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the “Submit a tip” tab.
