A Florida man is behind bars after allegedly murdering two young children, sexually assaulting one of them, and setting fire to a mobile home in a horrifying crime that has shaken the Escambia County community.
The suspect, 27-year-old John Henry Walston Jr., was arrested following the deadly blaze at Grand Oak Mobile Home Park on Flaxman Street late Friday night. According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Walston is accused of killing 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith before setting the home ablaze and fleeing the scene.
Detectives say Walston also sexually assaulted one of the victims prior to the murders. The fire quickly engulfed the trailer, trapping the two children inside.
Three other people — including the children’s mother — were hospitalized after the fire. Neighbors reported seeing the woman run into the burning home in a desperate attempt to rescue her children. She suffered severe burns and was later airlifted to a burn center in critical condition.
Investigators also discovered a dog dead inside the residence, leading to an additional animal cruelty charge.
Tyler Smith, father of one of the victims and stepfather of the other, spoke through tears about his loss.
“How can you expect any human being to do this? Let alone an adult to two kids,” Smith said. “John, I hope they give you hell in prison. You better be glad they found you before I did.”
Walston has been charged with:
Two counts of Premeditated Murder
One count of Sexual Assault on a Victim Under 12
One count of Arson
Animal Cruelty
He is being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for November 26.
Authorities described the crime as one of the most disturbing cases they’ve handled in years. Sheriff’s officials confirmed that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.