On Tuesday, an East Texas man was arrested for allegedly starting a house fire that would result in the death of his half-brother.

The Smith County Fire Marshal was contacted on May 18 at around 8 p.m. regarding a man who was reportedly trapped inside a burning home. In response, authorities went out to a residence located within the 11300 block of CR 1113, an area located in SW Smith County.

The suspect is 32-year-old Robert Harrison Johnson IV. According to a release to the media, Johnson was arrested mid-morning last Tuesday after the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office obtained a murder warrant.

During the initial investigation, it was assumed that Johnson had been able to escape the house fire. However, his brother, who has been confirmed to have been both physically and mentally disabled, was unable to do so. Despite resuscitation efforts, 35-year-old Jack McKenzie Ross died.

After a deeper investigation, authorities now believe the fire was started deliberately.

Get our free mobile app

Upon further investigation, authorities came to believe the fire started in one of the bedrooms of the home had been a deliberate effort on the part of Johnson, who lived with his half-brother, to start a fire that would consume the home and result in Ross's death.

Robert Harrison Johnson IV, 32, was arrested around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning after the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office obtained a murder warrant for his arrest in the fatal fire case, according to a press release from the fire marshal’s office.

According to TylerPaper.com, Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said:

“Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Jack Ross as they continue to mourn his loss. The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to finding the facts in this case in hopes we can bring some form of closure for Mr. Ross’ family.”

Johnson was arrested in DeSoto but has since been moved to the Smith County Jail with a bond of $1 million.

Is This $1 Million Dollar Home The Most Stunning in Henderson, TX?

There are so many reasons to make this charming East Texas town your home, not the least of which being this stunning $1 million modern farmhouse tucked away on 17 acres outside of town.

Ten of the Best Restaurants with Patios in Tyler Where Dogs are Welcome!

More and more, East Texans want restaurants where they can share a meal and hang out on a cool patio with their best furry friends. Here are TEN great spots in Tyler to do just that!

20 of the Very Best Places for Homestyle Comfort Food Around Tyler

Some days, we just want to go somewhere that serves freshly-made, homestyle comfort food. Ya know, the kind of food that seems to feed our hearts and souls, too.

More From Mix 93.1