VIDEO UPDATE: Malabar Fire Intentionally Set at Residence To Cover Up Homicides, Says BCSO

By  //  June 12, 2017

deadly fire at 855 Atz Road in Malabar

ABOVE VIDEO: The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit is continuing the death investigation into the fire that occurred yesterday at a Malabar residence.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit is continuing the death investigation into the fire that occurred yesterday at a Malabar residence.

According to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office PIO Tod Goodyear, evidence that has been uncovered thus far, lead investigators to believe that the fire was intentionally set at the residence to cover up homicides.

The investigation was initiated on Sunday at approximately 10:30 a.m. after an emergency 911 call was received reporting a fire at the residence located at 855 Atz Road in Malabar.

The residence was believed to be occupied by Tony and Chrissy Hughes, who are husband and wife, both 39-years-old; Chrissy’s son, 9-year-old Sebastian Meachum; and a relative that was visiting from out of state.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit is continuing the death investigation into the fire that occurred yesterday at a Malabar residence. According to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office PIO Tod Goodyear, evidence that has been uncovered thus far, lead investigators to believe that the fire was intentionally set at the residence to cover up homicides.

“Brevard County and Palm Bay Fire Rescues responded to the scene and during their rescue efforts, located the remains of an adult female within the residence,” said Goodyear.

“Firefighters were forced to exit the residence due to the unsafe conditions of the structure until later in the evening when they started a recovery search, at which time, they additionally located the remains of what appears to be a child.

The search of the debris is continuing this morning for an adult female who is believed to be in the residence as well. This search may take several days. Autopsies are scheduled to begin late this morning at the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office. A preliminary examination of the female victim revealed trauma that indicates that the female was killed prior to the start of the fire.

Additionally, a truck and boat trailer registered to the occupants of the residence was located at Christenson’s Landing around noon yesterday. The truck was found running at the boat ramp with the trailer submerged and the boat missing.

A multiagency search was commenced and the Coast Guard recovered the missing 18 foot “Grady White” motorboat driving in circles approximately 7 miles offshore of Sebastian Inlet. The boat was unoccupied, and a preliminary search of the vessel found suspected blood evidence in the vessel.

The boat was towed to Sebastian Inlet and trailered to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for processing. The Coast Guard is currently conducting a recovery effort in the area where the boat was located.”

According to witness statements, there has been some recent domestic issues between Tony and Chrissy Hughes. According to Sheriff’s Office records there have been no calls to the residence, nor are there any injunctions in place.

The Homicide and Crime Scene Units are continuing to search the scene with the assistance of the State Fire Marshall.

Anyone with information in reference to this investigation is asked to please call Agent Wendy Wheeler of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY CRIME NEWS

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Homicide Unit is continuing the death investigation into the fire that occurred yesterday at a Malabar residence which was believed to be occupied by Tony Huges, left, Chrissy Hughes, center, and Chrissy’s 9-year-old son Sebastian Meachum. (BCSO images)