Franklin County teenage fire victims identified
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The two teenage boys killed in a devastating house fire on Flat Creek Road have now been formally identified by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office as 13-year-old Bently Maxwell Fields and 15-year-old Rylan Austin Fields.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours of April 30. Emergency crews responded around 12:45 a.m. and later discovered the boys’ bodies inside the burned home.
Authorities say both victims were residents of Franklin County—and the sons of 44-year-old Dustin Fields, who is now charged with first-degree arson in connection to the fire.
Fields appeared in virtual court Monday from the Franklin County Regional Jail. During his arraignment, he acknowledged the loss of his sons and asked if he could be furloughed to attend their funerals. According to court documents, investigators say Fields knew the teens were inside the home when he allegedly set the fire. An ATF K-9 reportedly detected fire accelerants on Fields’ shoes and inside the residence.
Judge Chris Olds set Fields’ bond at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 13.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and State Fire Marshal continue to investigate, with assistance from Kentucky State Police and federal agencies. No further details have been released at this time.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family.
Stay with ABC 36 News Now for updates.
