A 24-year-old woman died in what authorities believe was an arson fire started in a Sparta Township home early Monday morning.
According to television station WZZM 13, Kori VanHulle, who had lived in the home for a couple of months, died in a fire that heavily damaged the home on Vinton Avenue.
Authorities have Michael Malcom Piranian, 62, in custody in connection with the fire, charged with felony murder, according to the television station. He was expected to be arraigned on the charge on Tuesday. He also lived in the home, according to authorities.
The fire in the Kent County home was reported at about 2:30 a.m. Monday. Five people were in the home when the fire started, but only four made it out. The victim was found in the basement covered by debris, according to the television station. .
Investigators told the television station that it appears a domestic disturbance occurred. Reports say Piranian allegedly was beating a woman in the home, not the fire victim, and the attack stopped when another man who lived in the home jumped on Piranian and the fight escalated. The home was engulfed in flames shortly after, according to the new report.
