ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Authorities in North Carolina say a fire virtually destroyed the home of three people accused of harboring a man who eluded police for six days in the mountains.
Local media outlets report the residence was home to 40-year-old Jennifer Hawkins, 23-year-old Larry Hawkins III and 45-year-old Franklin Badgero. The three were initially charged with harboring an escapee and accessory after the fact of first-degree kidnapping in connection with the search for Philip Michael Stroupe and the disappearance of 68-year-old Thomas Bryson.
Stroupe was captured and later charged with first-degree murder after Bryson’s body was found. As a result, the kidnapping charge against the other three was upgraded to accessory after the fact of first-degree murder.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department said it is investigating Thursday’s fire.
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