POMONA, Stann Creek District, Thurs. Dec. 3, 2020– A man suspected of suffering from depression died in a house fire last night in Pomona Village. He has been identified as Vernon Alexander Williams, 45, a maintenance worker from that village.
The fire occurred at Vernon’s home shortly before 9:00 p.m., and investigators from the National Fire Service (NFS) attached to Dangriga have so far not been able to identify the cause of the fire.
Police said that around 6:30 p.m., Williams was having a few drinks at the home of his younger sibling, Francis Williams, 33, after which he left for his house, which is located next door.
According to the younger Williams, at 8:55 p.m., he heard screams from his brother’s house, followed by an explosion; upon opening his window, he saw his brother’s home engulfed in flames.
The Dangriga branch of the National Fire Service was called in to contain the fire and at the conclusion of their operation, they discovered Vernon Williams’ body, burnt beyond recognition, facing the east corner of the wooden house.
The body remains at the Southern Regional Hospital’s morgue, where it will undergo a post-mortem examination.
Investigators from the Crime Investigation Branch of the Police Department learnt that Vernon Williams lived a life bedevilled by domestic disputes and he had threatened suicide several times in the past, including as recently as two days ago.
The family told investigators that whenever Vernon consumed alcohol, he would threaten to take his life. He lived alone, and it is reported that his family does not suspect foul play.
The wooden house, which had an estimated value of $27,000, Â was not insured.