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Suspect arrested after man’s remains found inside burned Mississippi home

By Kaitlin Howell Jun 27, 2024 | 5:26 PM

SMITH COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A man was arrested after human remains were discovered inside a burned Smith County home.

Smith County Sheriff Joel Houston said crews responded to a fire at a home on SCR 558 in the Homewood community on May 3, 2024.

According to Houston, the homeowner, Frank Black, was unaccounted for and was believed to still be inside the burning structure. After the fire was put out, crews searched the home and discovered Black’s remains.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Smith County investigators recovered evidence at the scene.

On May 13, the sheriff said Billy Black was brought in for questioning, which resulted in his arrest and charge of non-residential burglary for an unrelated incident.

Authorities continued to investigate the case and gather more evidence, as well as conduct interviews.

On June 18, 2024, Billy Black was charged with first degree arson and first degree murder in the case.

  • Billy Black (Courtesy: Smith County Sheriff’s Office)
  • The fire happened at a home on SCR 558 in the Homewood community on May 3, 2024. (Courtesy: Smith County Sheriff’s Office)

“These types of cases can be lengthy at times, and I want to thank the public for their patience and assistance while we worked diligently on this horrendous case. If you have any information regarding this case that you feel would be helpful, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 601-782-4531,” said Houston.