Child found dead after Stayton house fire, investigators suspect arson

STAYTON, Ore. – A child was found dead after a Stayton, Oregon home caught fire on Friday afternoon and a lengthy investigation has followed.

Fire crews were initially called out around 3 p.m. on reports of a house fire on Washington Street. The blaze grew to a 3-alarm response by the time firefighters put out the flames.

Oregon State Police said Saturday that a child was found dead inside. Troopers have not released any further information about the child, but multiple neighbors told KATU News that it was a young boy.

Maron County’s Homicide Assault Response Team was also called out to investigate the death.

Oregon State Police initially said they suspected arson in the case, but an OSP spokesperson told KATU News Saturday afternoon that may have been too early.

"A thorough and proper investigation takes time and we simply don't have the answers yet," said Capt. Tim Fox, an OSP spokesperson.

One neighbor, Jason Sherman, said he ran into the burning home Friday afternoon to look for the child.

"I heard 'baby,' that was it. 'My baby was in the house.' I wouldn't want that to happen to my child. There was nothing I could do," he said.

Sherman the smoke was too thick and he could not breathe or see inside. He said he had to come back out.

Nathan Brown, a neighbor from across the street, said he knows the family in the home. He said two grandparents live there, but other people come and go.

Initially, Brown said family didn't know if the child made it out of the house safely.

"The chaplain finally showed up and that's when we knew," said Brown. "Just the whole family was broken, they had no place to go. As a neighbor I stood by them the whole time."

The Stayton community began a small memorial Saturday. Neighbors put flowers, cards, balloons, and stuffed animals near the scene.

If you have any information that could help the case, call Oregon State Police at (800) 452-7888.