CARBONDALE, Ill. -- One person faces murder charges after a victim dies from a fire in Carbondale which occurred in March.
The Jackson County State's Attorney Joseph A. Cervantez said Lakesha C. Ross, 25 of Carbondale, was charged with three counts of murder to the first degree and a charge of aggravated arson.
This was in relation to a residential fire in near the 500-block of South Rawlings Street in Carbondale which resulted in the death of Brandon E. Coofer, 45 of Murphysboro, according to a release from the City of Carbondale.
The fire incident reportedly occurred on March 21, 2024. First responders went out to the report of a structure fire at 4:27 a.m. in the 500-block of South Rawlings Street. At that time, a victim was suffering from a life-threatening injury.
Police officers responded and aided the victim to keep him alive before he was taken to the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for more treatment.
The Carbondale Fire Department were able to extinguish the fire and keep it from creating more damage. Investigators then deemed the fire as arson.
Weeks later on April 16, Brandon Coofer reportedly died from his injuries while he was still in the hospital.
10 days later, on April 26, the Carbondale Police Department arrested Ross. Ross was then taken to the Jackson County Jail and is being held without bond.
“Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Brandon Coofer,� said Chief of Police and Interim City Manager Stan Reno. “The resolute commitment by the investigators to bring the offender in this case to justice is a perfect example of great collaborative investigative work on behalf of the Carbondale Police Department and Carbondale Fire Department with the support of the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office to bring closure to the family and loved ones.�
According to online court records, Ross is due in court on May 25 at 1:15 p.m. at the Jackson County Courthouse for a preliminary hearing.
