Overview
- Murrieta police arrested Stacey Hales, 46, and Adam Keenan, 43, on March 13 in connection with the Dec. 20 blaze that killed sisters Emma, 12, and Abby, 11.
- Hales was released after posting a $160,000 bond, and Keenan was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center as prosecutors prepare formal filings.
- Detectives and fire investigators said a joint probe established probable cause that the couple were criminally responsible for the fire and resulting deaths.
- Hales faces nine felonies including reckless burning causing death, child endangerment and being under the influence of a controlled substance, while Keenan faces two counts of child endangerment and under the influence.
- Firefighters found the family’s mobile home, carport, three vehicles, two outbuildings and a large pine tree fully engulfed before locating the girls’ remains and confirming six pets also died, and officials have not disclosed the fire’s origin as court dates await the D.A.’s filing.