Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating a residential fire turned death investigation that occurred on Thursday (1/18) in Golden Valley. At approximately 7:03 PM, dispatch received calls of a fire in the 3800 block of N Avra Rd. Deputies responded to the scene and observed a fully engulfed residence and vehicles, with a male subject walking around the property with his hands concealed. Interviews with witnesses revealed that the male subject had started several small fires, leading to the majority of the property becoming fully engulfed. Deputies were advised that upon arrival of Golden Valley Fire District, the male subject displayed a weapon and firefighters left the scene for their safety.

SWAT and Detectives were called to the scene. Deputies issued verbal commands for the male subject to show his hands, to which he did not comply. Deputies observed the male subject walk into a carport on the property, then a short time later the carport became fully engulfed in flames. When deputies were able to approach the residence, the male subject was located deceased inside the carport. The identity of the male subject is being withheld until positive identification can be made by the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is ongoing. Thank you to Kingman Police Department for supplying an overhead drone to assist with officer safety.