A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Escambia County, Florida, for allegedly killing two young children and setting fire to a mobile home in a horrific crime that has shaken the local community.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, John Henry Walston Jr. is accused of deliberately starting the blaze at the Grand Oak Mobile Home Park on Flaxman Street on Friday. Investigators say Walston killed 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith before setting the home ablaze.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Walston escaped the burning trailer and was among two adults and one child taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The two children did not survive.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons called the tragedy “unspeakable” and urged residents to hold their loved ones close. “I don’t know what else I can say about this terrible event except please hug your children,” Simmons said in a statement
Neighbors identified Walston as a local resident who lived in the trailer with his family. Jail records list his home address in the same area where the fire occurred. Tyler Smith, the father of Rayden and stepfather of Vayden, told WEAR News that the trailer belonged to Walston, whom he had known for several years.
He said the children had been staying at Walston’s home when the fire broke out. Witnesses described chaotic and heartbreaking scenes as the children’s mother rushed into the burning trailer in a desperate attempt to save them.
“She went into the trailer trying to get them. That’s a mother’s love,” said neighbor John Wenzel. “The trailer was totally involved inside. That’s why she’s in the Mobile Burn Center. She went inside the house trying to get her kids, but it was too hot. They finally got her out of there.”
Smith said he was devastated by the loss and furious at Walston. “How can you expect any human being to do this?” he said. “Let alone an adult with two kids.” He directed a message to the suspect, saying, “John, I hope they give you hell in prison. Because you better be glad they found you before I did.”
Authorities have charged Walston with two counts of premeditated murder, one count of sexual assault on a victim under 12, and one count of arson. He is also accused of killing a dog found dead inside the home. Walston is being held at the Escambia County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for November 26.