DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - A Pittsylvania County woman is charged with first-degree murder and arson in connection to a deadly house fire that happened earlier this week in Danville.
A joint investigation led by the Danville Police Department with assistance from the Danville Fire Department identified Christy Michelle Beskin, 39, as a suspect.
Recommended Videos
The victim has been identified as Donna Gail Hiatt- Lanier, 50, of Danville, Va., according to police.
Community reacts to body found inside burning Danville home
As we've reported, at approximately 3:53 p.m. Sunday, March 15 fire and rescue crews responded to reports of a fire in the 100 block of Wood Avenue.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered an unresponsive woman inside the home. Rescue crews discovered trauma on the body suggesting the cause of death was homicide.
Report: Danville police investigating deadly house fire as a homicide
Beskin is currently being held in the Danville City Jail without bond. Beskin appeared in Danville Circuit Court Tuesday morning and was appointed a public defender.
The investigation remains ongoing.