Estranged wife of fire victim arrested in earlier arson

Although the investigation into a fire that killed three last month remains open, State Fire Marshal investigators arrested the estranged wife of one of the victims in an arson at the same address in 2013.

Brant Thompson, deputy fire marshal, said Florence Harris, 56, was arrested in connection with an arson that began in the pickup belonging to Charles Harris just feet from the residence, 2511 Burg Jones Lane, in 2013. The fire spread to a portion of the residence.

Harris was booked into Ouachita Correctional Center on aggravated arson, and bond has been set at $50,000.

Although Harris was unharmed in the 2013 fire, he was one of three people who died in a fire in June. Also killed in the June fire were Jerry Johnson, age unknown, and Sam Myles, 61.

According to Thompson, the residence is known to have drug activity with several incidents reported by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, which is assisting in the investigation.

Fire investigators said the most recent blaze originated in Harris’ bedroom, which was occupied by Harris at the time. Investigators found the remnants of thousands of dollars inside Harris' bedroom along with drug paraphernalia.

Although fire investigators continue their work on the June fire, Thompson said Florence Harris was a suspect. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

Harris was confined to a wheelchair and slept in his room with it dead-bolted. The front door also had dead bolts.