49-year-old Derwin Hamilton was booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail on one count each of 2nd Degree Murder and Attempted 2nd Degree Murder.
Hamilton is accused of setting his girlfriend and his young nephew on fire, resulting in the child’s death and the woman being hospitalized with critical injuries.
Upon arrival, firefighters located a woman and a 5-year-old boy, who were badly burned, outside of the home. Both were transported to area hospitals where the child was pronounced dead and the woman remains in critical condition.
Firefighters say they also encountered Hamilton upon their arrival, who was outside of the home with minor burn injuries. The Fire Marshal's Office says that due to statements made by the female victim about the incident, Hamilton was detained by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office prior to being taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Deputies learned that Hamilton and the woman burned were in a relationship and were arguing about ending that relationship when the fire occurred. The woman allegedly reported to first responders that during the argument, Hamilton poured a liquid on her and the child, who is Hamilton’s great nephew, and then set them on fire.
In an interview with deputies, Hamilton allegedly admitted to the crimes.
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