Gonzales Arson Leaves One Suspect Dead, Second Suspect Clinging to Life

Investigators from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to piece together the facts surrounding a recent arson that destroyed a Gonzales home and injured two suspects – one fatally.

On the evening of Aug. 14, Ascension Parish authorities responded to a residential fire located on Tom Miles road near its intersection with La. 941, where they found the home fully engulfed in flames.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeff Wiley said that interviews conducted by APSO deputies revealed that two black males, one of which was described by witnesses as “being on fire,” were observed running from the area of the residence. The men then entered what was described as a light-colored, four-door sedan and quickly fled scene, according to Wiley.

APSO requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office in conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Upon their arrival, State Fire Marshal investigators soon determined that the fire had been intentionally set, as evidenced by the multiple points of origins found in the rear of the structure.

On Aug. 15, State Fire Marshal investigators obtained information that two males had been transported to the burn unit of the Baton Rouge General Medical Center (BRG) after earlier being treated at a Gretna hospital, where officials were falsely informed that the men were injured while attempting to burn a pile of old, discarded tires.

The two males, now suspects in the arson, were identified by State Fire Marshal investigators as Joel Morrison, 68, Marrero, and his nephew, Larry Morrison, Jr., 28, New Orleans. Both men have extensive criminal histories.

On Aug. 18, investigators were informed by BRG officials that Larry Morrison, Jr. had died as a result of his injuries, and that Joel Morrison remains in critical condition.

“We are continuing to work closely with Sheriff Wiley and his department in this investigation, which is far from being resolved,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, Jr.

Anyone with information concerning this arson is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Arson Tip Line at (800) 256-5452, or Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7867). Cash rewards may be available and callers may remain anonymous.