Sheriff: Gaffney man tried to kill deaf parents in house fire - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Sheriff: Gaffney man tried to kill deaf parents in house fire

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By Casey Vaughn - email
Fletcher Blanton (Cherokee Co. Sheriff's Office) Fletcher Blanton (Cherokee Co. Sheriff's Office)
GAFFNEY, SC (FOX Carolina) -

A Gaffney man was arrested after investigators said he tried to kill his deaf parents in a house fire Monday morning after stealing from them.

Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said 22-year-old Fletcher Blanton removed a lighted fire alarm system in the home before setting the Ford Road house ablaze.

Deputies said Blanton reported the fire after he awoke to smoke inside the home, then woke up his parents, who were able to get out of the home safely.

Following their investigation, deputies said Blanton intentionally caused a fire that damaged the home and also stole $4,850 of tools and electronics from his dad the same day as the fire.

Blanton was charged with third-degree arson, grand larceny and two counts of attempted murder.

Mueller said Blanton's need to buy drugs may have been a motive for the crime.

Copyright 2013 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

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