PARAGOULD, Ark. (AP) — A Paragould man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a 6-year-old girl died in a house fire.
The Paragould Daily Press reports that 24-year-old Jerry LaRoe was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a minor in connection with the July 13 fire.
A 6-year-old girl died and a 2-year-old was injured in the blaze.
An affidavit says LaRoe was babysitting the two girls, who were the daughters of his girlfriend. The affidavit claims that LaRoe was under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the fire.
The fire remains under investigation and authorities have not yet released the cause. LaRoe is being held in the Greene County jail, and authorities did not know if he had an attorney.
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