Georgetown Police Treat Two Deaths in House Fire as Double Homicide

Double Homicide Ruled in Georgetown House Fire

On Monday night in Georgetown, Texas, two men were found dead in connection with a house fire that authorities have ruled a double homicide. Investigators determined that both men were killed before the house was intentionally set on fire.

Victims Identified and Cause of Injuries Described

First responders discovered one man unresponsive outside the residence and a second body inside the home while responding to the fire. Police identified the victims as 76-year-old James Yost and 33-year-old Kenneth Clanton. According to investigators, both men had injuries consistent with a cutting instrument.

Neighbor Response at the Scene

Neighbors Susan and Grant Jones reported hearing screaming from the neighboring home on Monday night and went outside to investigate. They, along with their daughter, went to the house and observed smoke coming from the residence. Outside the home, they found their neighbor, who had lived next door to them for 14 years, lying unresponsive.

Susan Jones attempted to perform CPR on the unresponsive man. She reported that the man gave one brief puff of air and then did not respond further.

Person of Interest Taken into Custody

On Saturday afternoon, Georgetown Police arrested 28-year-old Justice Washington. Police stated that Washington also lived in the home and was in an intimate relationship with victim Kenneth Clanton. Officers reported that Washington was taken into custody on unrelated charges and that he was found driving James Yost’s car at the time of the arrest.

Police confirmed that Washington is a person of interest in the double homicide investigation. Authorities stated that no murder charges have been filed at this time.

Ongoing Investigation in Georgetown Neighborhood

Georgetown Police confirmed that the death investigation remains active. The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood in Georgetown, Texas, where neighbors have reported that the event has significantly affected the community.

Georgetown Police declined to speak on camera at the scene but confirmed their continued work on the case. Neighbors have discussed finding ways to honor victim James Yost, with Susan Jones stating that she believes the neighborhood will do something to remember him.