The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of two people early Sunday morning.
- Man arrested after woman, baby found dead
- Woman, baby found dead inside burning apartment
- Firefighter noticed flames coming from Avalon Square Apartments
Diamond Shelman, 18, and Jeremiah Shelman, her 8-month-old son, were found dead inside an burning apartment at Avalon Square Apartments in Bradenton.
Larry Bernard Williams, 20, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection with their deaths. He also faces one count of arson.
Investigators say Williams is the boyfriend of Diamond and the father of Jeremiah.
The fire was reported just before 7 a.m. by a firefighter who spotted it on his way to work.
As he approached the apartment complex, he saw flames coming from one of the downstairs apartments. The firefighter called for assistance and the Cedar Hammock Fire Department responded.
Diamond Shelman and her son were found dead inside. According to investigators, the woman had trauma to her body inconsistent to fire-related injuries.
Cedar Hammock Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the fire.