Police discovered the house, which had caught fire on Sunday
South Carolina police have arrested a man who killed six people found after a house fire.
Ryan Leonard Manigo, 33, is being held without bail after Colleton County officials confirmed the names of two of the dead.
The suspect was charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder, while the other charges are awaiting the results of the autopsy.
A 13-year-old victim was found alive and treated in hospital.
The sole survivor of Sunday’s crash was airlifted to a hospital west of Charleston, about 40 miles away, in critical condition.
Before being taken to the hospital, the surviving victim was able to provide a name and description of the suspect, who was arrested nearby, according to police.
Police were called to the community of Green Pond around 11:00 a.m. local time after a neighbor reported seeing a house on fire.
In addition to the murder and arson charges, Mr. Manigo also faces charges of attempted murder.
The motive for the attack was not revealed.
“The evidence collected has been sent to the state law enforcement department for analysis,” Sheriff Buddy Hill said at a news conference Monday.
“At the moment, we have no reason. This is a very active investigation, and as details emerge we will refer it to the family and the media.”
Police said on Monday that the suspect is the son-in-law of Michelle Marie Wright, 50, and the father of Shreya Maniju, 11.
The sheriff said the other four victims will be identified once autopsy examinations are completed.
David Maggood told NBC News that many of the victims are family members. He said his 101-year-old mother was among the dead.
Family members of the victims were allowed to speak to the suspect during the preliminary hearing on Monday. No appeal has been filed and the investigation is ongoing.
