By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 24, 2019

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Authorities in Mississippi say arson is to blame for the fire at the vacant Jackson home of a man accused of killing a middle schooler.

Jackson Fire Department Division Chief Cleotha Sanders told news outlets that investigators believe the home of 41-year-old Stacy Lidell was intentionally set on fire Monday. Lidell is charged with murder in the Easter death of 14-year-old Rodrick Johnson.

City police say Lidell’s home was robbed moments before he fired a gun around several children in his neighborhood and fatally wounded Johnson. Police say Lidell surrendered to officers that night after a brief standoff. Police say Lidell and Johnson didn’t know each other.

Lidell is being held without bond. It’s unclear if he has a lawyer.

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