Escambia County Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Girl, then Murdering Two Kids and Setting Trailer on Fire

Escambia County, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Escambia County deputies have charged a man with murder following the recent fire where two children were found dead.

"After the fire was extinguished we found there was a 7-year-old and a 9-year old...both children were deceased in that trailer. We also found out that there was a male who had escaped that trailer and was being treated at a hospital," Sheriff Chip Simmons said in a video posted on social media.

"What we found unfortunately was that...these children were not killed because of the fire. One was sexually assaulted and both were killed before the fire started."

27-year-old Josh Walston was arrested, investigators believe he sexually assaulted the young girl, killed both children, and then set his own trailer on fire. The kids were reportedly staying the night at his trailer when this happened.

Walston is being held without bond at the Escambia County jail. He's charged with premeditated murder, sexual battery, arson, and also faces charges for killing the dog that died in the fire.