Deadly Fire Could Turn Into Murder Investigation

The investigation into a fire that killed two young children and injured three adults Monday night has turned into a potential murder probe. The deaths occurred just two weeks after the home was the target of a reported invasion which resulted in the arrest of one person.  Two others believed involved are still being sought.

Devante L. Williams, 22, was arrested and charged with first degree burglary in connection with the alleged incident that occurred Christmas Eve.  A press release issued by Dothan police stated three people, including Williams, entered the home on Ginnalou Drive and forced the occupants to the floor. Williams is accused of striking one of the victims over the head with a gun with such force the weapon discharged.  Williams remains jailed under $200,000 bond while the other two people believed involved remain at large.

A call seeking comment from the Dothan Fire Department was not immediately returned.  However, relatives of the victims told WDHN's Jamiese Price they think the fire could have possibly been started in retaliation from the break-in.

While the victims of the fire have not been publicly identified, WDHN has learned from relatives the children killed are Bryon and Ariel Harvey.  Bryon was four and Ariel was three years old.

The people hurt include the children's parents and grandfather.  Two of the three have been taken to a Birmingham hospital for treatment.

Court documents show the home is either owned or rented by Leonard Jermaine Harvey, Jr., believed to be either the children's father or grandfather.