Carbondale woman charged with murder, arson after deadly fire
CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – A Carbondale woman faces murder and arson charges after the death of a Murphysboro man.
Lakesha C. Ross, 24, of Carbondale was charged on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated arson.
She is accused of being involved with a residential fire near the 500 block of South Rawlings Street in Carbondale.
Police say Brandon E. Coofer, 45, of Murphysboro died in the fire.
The Carbondale Police Department received a 911 call on March 21 around 4:27 a.m. reporting a fire in the 500 block of S. Rawlings Street and a victim suffering from a life-threatening injury.
Carbondale police officers and firefighters responded to the scene.
Police officers arrived and rendered life-saving aid to the victim.
The victim was taken to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Firefighters put out the fire to prevent further damage or potential injuries.
Investigators with the Carbondale Fire Department identified the fire as arson. Investigators from Carbondale Police Department and Carbondale Fire Department investigated into who was responsible for the fire and the injuries of the victim.
Brandon Coofer, 45, of Murphysboro died from his injuries while hospitalized on April 16.
Ross was arrested by the Carbondale Police Department and taken to the Jackson County Jail on April 26.
“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Brandon Coofer,” said Chief of Police and Interim City Manager Stan Reno. “The resolute commitment by the investigators to bring the offender in this case to justice is a perfect example of great collaborative investigative work on behalf of the Carbondale Police Department and Carbondale Fire Department with the support of the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office to bring closure to the family and loved ones.”
Ross is being held at the Jackson County Jail with no bond.
Jackson County State’s Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez thanked the Carbondale Fire Department, Carbondale Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their dedication throughout the investigation. He also thanked the community for their concerns and for their cooperation.
