By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
A Weston man has been charged with arson and murder in the wake of a deadly house fire early Sunday.
24-year-old Anthony Fleming is charged with first-degree arson and second-degree murder.
Flemingly allegedly set fire to a home on Prospect Street in Weston intentionally between 1 and 2 a.m. Sunday. 60-year-old Timothy Darby of Weston was found dead in the home.
Fleming then allegedly fled from the scene on foot before authorities arrived. He was found about a mile from the home in a wooded area, wearing only socks.
If convicted, Fleming faces up to life in prison on each charge. He's currently being held without bond in the Platte County Detention Facility
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said the charges were filed early Monday morning, following an investigation led by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our detectives, deputies, the Weston Police Department, and prosecutors did an outstanding job working together, which resulted in the quick apprehension of this defendant," Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen said in a release. "Their tireless work is the reason prosecutors will be able to seek justice for the victim and his family.
"I especially want to thank the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and all of the fire and ambulance personnel who responded to the fire for their assistance at the fire scene and the Weston Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the subject and assisting with the investigation.”
The Sheriff’s Office and the Weston Police Department do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.