South Carolina man accused of intentionally setting house on fire with 2 children and woman inside

LEXINGTON, S.C. (TCN) -- A 31-year-old man faces charges after allegedly trying to kill two children and a woman by setting a house on fire.

According to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department, on the afternoon of June 28, Lexington County Fire Service responded to a home on Addie Lucas Road, where they encountered a fire they believed to be suspicious in nature. The fire department notified deputies and fire marshals to investigate further.

Lexington County Fire Marshal Nick Uveges told WACH-TV he could "immediately tell that it appeared to be an external fire versus a fire that originated inside and is burning out."

He also said he noticed "a fully consumed mattress that had collapsed" with the springs and the frame in a pile, which Uveges called "abnormal."

According to WIS-TV, fire investigators ruled out any electrical issues, lightning, or cooking incidents as the cause.

Further investigation revealed 31-year-old Tracy Russell Jr. allegedly intentionally set the residence ablaze with torch fuel canisters. Deputies allege he did this in an attempt to kill a woman and two children who were inside at the time. An incident report obtained by WIS says there was also male victim in the home.

Russell reportedly resided in the house but isn't related to any of the residents. According to WIS, an occupant of the home told investigators on the day of the incident, Russell had been pacing around the residence "ranting and raving." Russell allegedly spoke about drinking and grabbed a black bag with unknown items before "drunkenly lashing out" and exiting the home. He was reportedly last seen near the area where the flames began.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said officials spoke with witnesses and determined Russell exited the residence but didn't return after the fire.

One of the children allegedly saw smoke from the kitchen shortly after Russell left, and another occupant noticed the primary bedroom was on fire. No one was harmed in the incident.

Russell faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of second-degree arson. He was arrested Wednesday, July 10, in Orangeburg County and remains held in the Lexington County Detention Center without bond.

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