Carbondale woman charged with murder, arson after deadly fire – KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – A Carbondale woman is charged with murder and arson in the death of a Murphysboro man.

Lakesha C. Ross, 24, of Carbondale was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.

She is accused of being involved in a house fire near the 500 block of South Rawlings Street in Carbondale.

Police say Brandon E. Coofer, 45, of Murphysboro died in the fire.

Carbondale Police received a 911 call around 4:27 a.m. on March 21 reporting a fire in the 500 block of S. Rawlings Street and a victim with a life-threatening injury.

Carbondale police officers and firefighters responded to the scene.

Police officers arrived on the scene and provided life-saving assistance to the victim.

The victim was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

The fire brigade extinguished the fire to prevent further damage or possible injuries.

Carbondale Fire Department investigators identified the fire as arson. Investigators from the Carbondale Police Department and the Carbondale Fire Department looked into who was responsible for the fire and the victim’s injuries.

Brandon Coofer, 45, of Murphysboro died April 16 from his injuries while hospitalized.

Ross was arrested by Carbondale police and booked into the Jackson County Jail on April 26.

“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Brandon Coofer,” said Police Chief and Interim City Manager Stan Reno. “The investigators’ resolute commitment to bringing the perpetrator in this case to justice is a perfect example of tremendous joint investigative work on behalf of the Carbondale Police Department and the Carbondale Fire Department, with the support of the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office to bring the to finalize the matter. the family and loved ones.”

Ross is being held in the Jackson County Jail without bond.

Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez thanked the Carbondale Fire Department, Carbondale Police Department and Illinois State Police for their dedication during the investigation. He also thanked the community for their concerns and cooperation.