On Friday evening, August 14, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s deputies, along with medical and fire personnel, responded to the area of Highway 941 and Moran Road in reference to an explosion, according to Sheriff Jeff Wiley.

Upon first responders arrival they discovered a working house fire on Tom Miles Street off of Highway 941.

As deputies conducted a preliminary investigation through a number of interviews, they learned that two black males were witnessed running away from the residence and that one of the males appeared to be on fire. Ascension Parish authorities also learned that the two males were seen getting into an unknown vehicle and fleeing the area, added Sheriff Wiley.

An immediate alert was sent to all area hospitals on Friday night in hopes to attempt to identify the two suspects who were seen fleeing the residence on fire.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office was dispatched to the scene to conduct an arson investigation. As the investigation unfolded, investigators discovered that some undisclosed items were stolen from the house at the time the house was set on fire. At this point, Ascension Parish authorities teamed up with the State Fire Marshall’s Office in order to pursue an arson and burglary investigation.

On Saturday, August 15, Fire Marshall Investigators learned that two burn victims had just been transferred from a New Orleans hospital to the Baton Rouge General Hospital burn unit. It was later learned that the two subjects were transferred from Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans where they had been treated for their injuries on Friday night.

The two burn victims were identified as New Orleans natives’ 28-year-old Larry Morrison, Jr. and 68- year-old Joel Morrison, an uncle and nephew.

Larry Morrison died as a result of his burn injuries on Tuesday, August 18.

Both Larry and Joel were acquaintances of the homeowner and were in Ascension Parish Friday evening, just prior to the house fire. Joel Morrison has been named as a very strong person of interest in this ongoing burglary and arson investigation, added Sheriff Wiley.

Joel Morrison, 68, of 1449 Silver Lilly Lane, Marrero, is still listed in critical condition at Baton Rouge General Hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.

Joel Morrison has been arrested over 48 times with charges of murder, armed robbery, theft, and drug charges.

This investigation is ongoing.