Recent deadly house fires in Tchula and Itta Bena remain under investigation, according to the two deputy state fire marshals.
A fire Saturday night in Tchula, which claimed the lives of Demeshana Benford, 2, and Daveyonn Benford, 4, appears to have been cooking-related, according to James Jackson, a deputy state fire marshal.
Graveside services for the children were held Wednesday at Second New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Tchula, according to Tchula Fire Chief Alphonzo Greer.
The children’s mother, Carolyn Benford, remains hospitalized, the chief said.
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said Thursday that Kenny Wilson, the county’s fire marshal, told him that it appears the fire was caused by a faulty stove.
The house, located at 1384 Front St., and a neighboring house were destroyed.
Investigators are awaiting autopsy results from a fire Wednesday at 41964 U.S. 82 in Itta Bena, which killed 50-year-old George Copprue Jr., said Albert Carver, a state deputy fire marshal.
“Right now, we’re just leaving it open,” he said.
The fire, which started shortly after midnight, destroyed the house.
