PLATTE COUNTY —Authorities have charged a man with arson and murder following a deadly Sunday fire.
Anthony Fleming, 24, allegedly set the fire at a home on Prospect Street in Weston, 30 miles north of Kansas City, that resulted in the death of Timothy Darby, 60, of Weston, according to Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.
The charges were filed early January 18, following an investigation led by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, Fleming allegedly intentionally set a fire in the residence sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. He then allegedly fled from the residence on foot before authorities arrived. He was found about one mile from the home in a wooded area, wearing only socks.
Firefighters found Darby dead in the kitchen of the house. Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen said, “Our detectives, deputies, the Weston Police Department, and prosecutors did an outstanding job working together, which resulted in the quick apprehension of this defendant. Their tireless work is the reason prosecutors will be able to seek justice for the victim and his family."
Fleming faces up to life in prison on each charge. He is currently being held without bond in the Platte County Detention Facility.