ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. — William Walden, of Itawamba County, has been charged with capital murder and first-degree arson following the death of his mother, Flora Walden, in a mobile home fire on July 14.
The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office launched an investigation into the fire that consumed the two-bedroom mobile home on Brown Road. Deputy Rusty McCoy and Deputy Supervisor Jonathan Owens conducted a search of the scene and interviewed William Walden multiple times, ultimately naming him as the primary suspect in the arson.
On July 15, Walden confessed to investigators during questioning. He admitted to beating his mother to death before intentionally setting fire to the home in an effort to cover up the crime.
Walden has been charged with capital murder and arson, with a bond set at $250,000. However, due to a previous felony conviction, the Mississippi Department of Corrections has placed a hold on Walden.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover additional details surrounding the tragic incident.
