Dalton Woman Found Dead in Burning Home; Suspect Dies in Kentucky Pursuit Crash
DALTON, Firefighters discovered the body of a woman inside a burning home on South Grimes Street early Saturday morning in what authorities believe involved a homicide and arson, according to the Dalton Police Department.
Police said first responders arrived at the scene as flames were active, prompting an immediate investigation. During that time, authorities identified a person of interest connected to the woman’s death who was later located outside Lexington, Kentucky, driving what was believed to be the victim’s vehicle.
According to Dalton police, when Kentucky State Police attempted to stop the vehicle, the man fled, leading to a pursuit. The chase ended when the suspect crashed the vehicle and died at the scene.
Investigators have not yet officially identified the victim or the suspect. However, police said they received a call from a family member of the person of interest, who reported that he had admitted to killing his girlfriend at the Grimes Street home. Authorities noted that the man was originally from Indiana.
After realizing the victim’s vehicle was missing from the scene, Dalton police entered it into a national database as stolen. Around 9:30 a.m., investigators were notified that Kentucky State Police had located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit south of Lexington, which ultimately ended in the fatal crash.
Police said investigators were initially unable to enter the burned home due to toxic fumes. Once conditions were deemed safe, officers began securing the crime scene shortly after noon.
The Whitfield County Coroner’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting Dalton police as the investigation continues.
Authorities said they are still working to gather additional details surrounding the deadly incident and will release more information as it becomes available.
