Mother defends son, believes grandson started deadly fire

LONDON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The murder and arson case against a Laurel County man charged in the death of his toddler son is headed to a grand jury, but not all of the news in the Vaughn Brock case came out of the courtroom.

For the first time, the accused killer’s mother is speaking out publicly, defending her son, who she says has already been convicted in the court of public opinion.

“It’s just been awful. It’s been a nightmare. I’m hurt, my heart’s crushed. I’ve lost my grandbaby. Now, I’m worried over my son,” said Angie Brock.

Her son stands accused of murder, arson, and wanton endangerment, after police found his son in his Laurel County trailer following a fire.

“Vaughn loved his son unconditionally. He would never do anything to hurt his son,” said Brock.

Police say Brock’s son was found inside a washing machine. According to court documents, Brock was asked several times why the child would be in the washing machine. Then a detective asked Brock if the child had been “acting up,” and Brock responded “yes.”

Angie Brock believes her grandson, who she called Cash, started the fire himself while playing with a lighter and then hid in the washing machine.

Police say Vaughn Brock ran from the scene after the fire. His mother says that was out of grief and fear, not because he was trying to avoid the law.

“Vaughn couldn’t stand the thoughts of his son burning up. I mean, he ran. He was scared,” said Brock.

Angie Brock didn’t come to court alone. A family friend says too many have rushed to judgment in convicting Brock.

“People need to have a little compassion, instead of being so ready to jump at saying he’s this monster that beat his child, set his home on fire, get rid of the evidence. That’s not who he was,” said Christine Short.

The judge says the grand jury returns April 19th.