WEIRTON, W.Va. — The Weirton Police Department says two parents have been taken into custody this week following a months-long investigation into a fatal fire that killed their child.
“Warrants were obtained for both Michael and Heather Johnston,” Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush said to MetroNews.
“They are both being charged with one count of child neglect resulting in death and one count of child neglect with substantial risk of injury.”
The charges stem from a March 13 blaze at 3221 Orchard St. in Weirton.
Kush said the child, 3-year old Keegan Johnston, was locked in his room and could not get out when the fire started. He was pronounced dead on scene.
“That is what stemmed this investigation,” Kush said.
Kush also said the Weirton Fire Department has an idea of what caused the fire but it does not appear to be arson.
“It does not appear to be any type of arson as this point but we are still looking into it,” Kush said. “The fire department believes they know what the cause was at this point. It started in the kitchen area.”
Two other children were inside the home when the fire started but were able to get out, Kush added. Those children are currently with other family members.
“The house was a total loss. It has not been torn down yet because it’s been the subject of this investigation but once the investigation is completed, it will be torn down,” he said.
Heather Johnston, 38, and Michael Johnston, 36, were taken into custody Thursday and are currently in the Northern Regional Jail held on a $100,000 bond.
The Weirton Police Department, Weirton Fire Department, the Hancock County prosecutor’s office, and the ATF have all worked on the case.