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NEW INFO: Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Fire Save Email Print
Posted: 8:59 AM May 12, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:39 PM May 12, 2008
 Reporter: Brenda Bryan
Email Address: brenda.bryan@wsaz.com
42 comments Photos Map
RAW VIDEO: Collis Ave. Fatal Fire
RAW VIDEO: Chief Fuller Interview
RAW VIDEO: Homeowner Interview
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A Salt Rock man has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal fire in Huntington last week

According to court documents, 22-year-old Bradley Eric Watson was arrested early Sunday morning .

61-year-old Deanna O’Brian (Vandixhorn) died in the fire early Friday morning at 2668 Collis Avenue.

According to court documents, a woman named Ashley Morrow provided investigators with information that Watson allegedly had set the fire.

The criminal complaint also states that the "accused had provided facts about the cause and origin of the fire and time line that matched the fire departments investigation and response times".

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

Watson is being held without bond in the Western Regional Jail.


ORIGINAL STORY:
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Cries in the night for help, but nothing could be done to save a woman. She died in a house fire in Huntington early Fridays morning.

Police say the victim is 61-year old Deanna O'Brian

Two other people managed to escape the intense flames.

The fire started around 1:45 a.m. Friday morning at 2688 Collis Avenue. The house was actually divided into first and second floor apartments.

A man and his daughter lived in the bottom apartment. That man told WSAZ.com that he could smell smoke, but also hear the cries of the woman who lived upstairs.

Police say the victim is 61-year old Deanna O'Brian

Investigators will try to figure out what started the fire.
Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.
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Posted by: ..... on May 15, 2008 at 01:05 AM
why would someone lie to someone about setting a fire esspecially if the info that was provided about the cause and origin of the fire and time line that matched the fire departments investigation and response times.... sooo hmmm they might want to rethink their lies!!!!
Posted by: olie on May 14, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I knew Deanna personally, she was a loveley woman, she was such a dear friend. I am so sad to hear of her death. Tamra, Gregory, Steve...you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of Love and courage xoxox
Posted by: nlj on May 14, 2008 at 03:44 PM
if you've ever had fire in your home then you should know how scary it is.I CAN NOT imagine why a person would set fire to a home and causing someone to die,if this guy did this he needs to pay dearly for it,this woman was screaming for help and nobody could help her,that would be something to haunt me the rest of my life knowing that I caused that and by rights it should haunt him.she didn't deserve to die burning up.this guy definitely needs help.then again maybe he don't have a heart.
Posted by: Kathy S on May 14, 2008 at 12:13 PM
IF this guy's guilty, what on earth possessed him to set this lady's house on fire and cause her such a horrible death? Was it robbery or revenge? Anyone know any reasons or rumors floating around? Trust me, I've learned from other cases lately that I've just read or heard about to wait until all the facts are out or the jury hears all the facts before running my mouth about something I know nothing about other than the medias version. Just curious though
Posted by: Ari on May 14, 2008 at 10:48 AM
each criminal that kills someone should have to be put to death the same way they hurt other people, especially innocent victims.
Posted by: ????? on May 14, 2008 at 07:05 AM
i want the daughter and her boyfriend to know that everyone in ashland are very sorry for the lost of this woman...you are in our prayers everyday. the B.C. ballteam hope everything will go o.k. and we are very sorry for the man and his child living lost everything too..
Posted by: L on May 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I posted earlier about needing more regulation - I want to clarify something. I didn't mean to sound like I was blaming your father, Randall. I don't even know him, or you for that matter!! The blame is 100% with the heartless guy who set the fire. I hope I didn't hurt anyone's feelings! Fire regulations are important, but the blame is absolutely laid at the feet of the person setting the fire. I'm sorry!
Posted by: ????? on May 13, 2008 at 09:44 AM
there's only about 35 comments about this white man that for whatever reasons set this lady on fire, but 150 comments about the troubled young black man that was killed by the police.....people please. WSAZ, please.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 04:41 AM
the fire wasnt started over drugs or any thing else. it was started because of a vindictave little girl wanting revenge.
Posted by: tommy on May 13, 2008 at 04:33 AM
this is to the girl who said her sister lived next DOOR.if your sister would have been home the fire wouldnt have started it was her boy friend whom is accused of starting it.its a shame someone so young is going ruin his life over something so senseless.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 07:56 PM
WHY WAS THE YOUNG LADIES NAME RELEASED THAT TURNED HIM IN?...ISNT THIS A PART OF CONFIDENTIALITY?? JUST WANDERING AND I WANT TO JUST SAY THAT IM GLAD HES IN JAIL!!!! MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMILIES OF THE LADY AND THE MAN AND HIS DAUGHTER...
Posted by: L on May 12, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Randall, I'm sorry but I disagree. The answer absolutely IS more regulation. A door without a staircase on the second floor is not acceptable. There are fire codes to adhere to, and if they aren't, then apartment should not be rented... simple as that. I hope this is a lesson to whomever is in charge of the redevelopment. I lived for five years in an apartment on 5th Ave with no fire escape, and no working fire alarms, and there was a floor above me with the same situation. These apartments should be investigated, and not allowed to be rented out until they pass inspection! I am praying for all involved - the family of the woman especially. The good Lord was there to welcome her home!
Posted by: Bev on May 12, 2008 at 01:45 PM
This was completely unnecessary. I can't believe the condition that Highlawn has gotten into. If we home owners do not watch who we rent to this will not be the last tragedy. We have drug dealers and thugs running our neighborhood all night long. I don't know if this young man lived here, stayed here or bought drugs here. All I know is that it is not a nice place to raise our kids anymore. This lady lost her life because of some stupid reason only this idiot knows. TO RANDALL: most of your Dad's neighbors do not blame him. We understand that in a fire like this it was almost impossible to escape it. My heart goes out to the family of Mrs.O'Brian. God bless all the victims.
Posted by: Kathy on May 12, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I am so sorry for the family of this poor woman. No one should have to die like she did. Its too bad that this thug can't be sentenced to fry in the electric chair. Sure he's been charged with murder NOW but we know that Chris Chiles will allow a plea bargain and he'll get a slap on the wrist. Cabell County has no law enforcement. Justice here is a JOKE. God Bless the family of this woman.
Posted by: sherry on May 12, 2008 at 10:40 AM
sorry to hear about the woman dieing in the fire where at in Salt Rock did he live? I know where salt rock is.
Posted by: Jessica on May 12, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Ashley, great Job for reporting what you knew. WSAZ & other stations- why is it necessary to report who turned the person in? That seems a little classified & it would scare the you know what out of me if I had turned someone in for murder & my name was written everywhere that I had turned the person in!
Posted by: vanessa on May 12, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Tamra, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you. Your friendship means the world to me. Just know that we love you guys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always
Posted by: Randall on May 11, 2008 at 09:57 PM
This house was my father's house. Yes, it is a tragedy! Please keep the family of this poor woman in your thoughts and prayers. Please also consider the homeowner, his son and granddaughter who also lived there. The solution to this tragedy is not more regulation. The appartment that the deceased lady rented had an second floor exterior exit in the form of a door. Granted there was no stairway, but there was a door. Those who assume it is "proposterous to think that such a configuration would even be rentable" should get the facts straight. My Dad has been a long time resident of Collis Avenue and will assure a speedy redevelopment of this lot.
Posted by: Donna on May 11, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Tamra just to let you know that we are thinking of you and Gregory. If there is anything you need let me know. Your mother was a wonderful woman and will be missed. Our prayers are with you love always!
Posted by: citizen on May 11, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Does anyone know what time and where services will be for this woman?
Posted by: ZetteBoo on May 11, 2008 at 05:04 PM
God be with the womans family that lost her life to this horrible tragedy. My sister and family lived right across the hall beside her and grew very fond of her. Thank the Lord that my sister gave the landlord a notice she was moving at the first of the month and Thank the Good God that they were not home that night or I feel sure they would have died also. No way to get out. I had her 2 year old grandson with me that night. They also lost everything. THis baby has some things at my home that we keep here for him. God please help all of those that are effected by this tragedy.
Posted by: Trina on May 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Tamra we're all thinking about you. Remember, if there's anything we can do.... Sending love and prayers your way....
Posted by: KG on May 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I want to recognize the significance of this victim as a Mother. It is clear her daughters are treasured by many people. To the family in the Midwest traveling for the funeral, please know that hearts across IA and OH are beating strong for you.
Posted by: Teresa on May 11, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Shame on you Brenda Bryan and WSAZ for being so heartless in your reporting of this tragedy. This woman's daughter was devastated by the news that her beloved mother was crying for help. Thanks to you, she learned on your news report that her mother suffered in this horrible fire. That bit of information is something she could have done without, but because of your insensitive reporting, it will be ingrained into her mind and memory for the rest of her life.
Posted by: aj on May 10, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Thank you so much for your graphic depiction of this tragic event. Maybe they should add a compassion class to degrees in journalism. This is not a movie, it is someones life. This lady was a great person that died. She has a family too.
Posted by: nancy on May 9, 2008 at 11:54 PM
the lady who lost her life in this fire, is a lady who loved and is loved. do her loved ones really need to hear-how she cried for help. please remember these are real people with real feelings.
Posted by: Kathy on May 9, 2008 at 11:29 PM
I find it horrible that the news broadcasted "The cries for help" before my good friend the daughter of the deceased victim even knew about her mother. I find it terrible that she went to identify her mother with her boyfriend of 10 or more years, and they made her go in all by herseld to look at her mothers picture. That is very cruel to let someone go to that by theirself when they had family with them......My thoughts and prayers are for the family. Have respect for the deceased on the news because One day that could that could be your family.
Posted by: Emily on May 9, 2008 at 09:40 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Tamara and her family for the loss of her mother. They are amazing people and I hate that something like this has happened. I am sickened by the comments that were allowed to be aired about the death of this poor lady. This is someones mother, grandmother and details like that need to be given to the firefighters and that is as far as it should go. I personally know this womens daughter and I can only imagine how she must be feeling now about the details that are being given on the news.
Posted by: brandy on May 9, 2008 at 08:16 PM
My husband used to work with deaana @young signs in ashland she was a very nice lady... Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family.........
Posted by: Karly on May 9, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I live less that 2 blocks away and have walked past this beautiful home for years now-my heart truely goes out to the vicitms and families, and i know of alot of neighbors around here who already want to help, please dont forgot you have a community to support you in this time of need-dont be afraid to reach out.
Posted by: collisaveres on May 9, 2008 at 06:14 PM
This is such a tragedy! I will keep the family of this poor woman in my thoughts and prayers. As stated earlier, maybe this will be a wake-up call for some type of rental property regulation in Huntington. No second floor exterior exit in a home that was divided into first and second floor apartments? It seems almost proposterous to think that such a configuration would even be rentable! Most of the residents on Collis Ave. take great pride in our older homes and I hope that the clean-up is speedy and redevelopment of this lot comes quickly for the continued integrity of this neighborhood. Although a horrific occurance, I certainly do not want to see a burned down house on the corner for long.
Posted by: booger on May 9, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Tammy you're right. News people have no regard for people's feelings. Anytime there's a tragedy, the news is there to stick a camera in someones face so the whole world can see them in pain or sadness. It makes me sick. I hope every news reporter has something horrible happen to them and it's filmed and shown over and over. I can see it now: "WSAZ reporter Brenda Bryan is in terrible pain, as a matter of fact, we can hear her now, screaming at the top of her lungs how bad it hurts. Sure hope her family isn't watching. More news at 11 after shes dead. Oh and she wet herself too. Film at 11."
Posted by: Michelle on May 9, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I wanted to let the family of the victim know that my family and friends will be praying for them and for the victim. I also pray for the man that heard the sounds. I pray the man doesn't end up with the problems with sounds and smell like PTSD like I've had with situations in my life because it does take it's toll. I pray everyone will get through this horrible tragedy well, even though it does take time. May God stay with you and lift you during your loss.
Posted by: Kathy on May 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I'm so very sorry. I want this woman's family to know that they are in my prayers. May God Bless you and help you through this tragedy.
Posted by: Bev on May 9, 2008 at 12:33 PM
My son was out getting food for us when he passed this house. He didn't realize that someone lost their life. We have passed this house every day for the past 17 years. This makes me so sick. I'm so sorry for the lost of this lady's life and for the other tenants as well. This has always been a beautiful home and the children playing in the yard always made me feel happy. God be with everyone.
Posted by: Tammy on May 9, 2008 at 12:17 PM
This is such a horrible tragedy. I hope that as the person wrote this article never has to feel the pain that her words have brought to this lady's family. It is bad enough to lose a loved one, but to hear details, such as the reported "screaming", that could indicate that she indeed did suffer, has caused the family to imagine their loved one dying a horrific death, where as before they could imagine a less traumatic death that and have thoughts that she passed on without panic or pain. Kudos to your detailed drama, as I hope that it rewards your soul to know that thanks to you, they can have countless sleepless nights thinking of that scream.
Posted by: NO GOOD FIRES!!!!!!!!!!! on May 9, 2008 at 11:58 AM
FIRE is an event that will change peoples lives immediatly. Two months ago I witnessed my neighbors house burn, it was not where the fire originated, the victem of a vacant house next to it was set ablaze, therefore each home on both sides were lost. I WAS AWAKEN BY THE SIRENS, THEN LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW A BALL OF ORANGE APPEARED, I CONTINUE SEEING THIS SAME VISION. FIRE, WHETHER ACCIDENTAL OR INTENTIONAL WILL CHANGE THE LIVES OF THE VICTEMS AS WELL AS INNOCENT NEIGHBORS.Good luck in your recovery, and so sorry for the loss of life.
Posted by: BIRDEYE on May 9, 2008 at 09:50 AM
THIS IS VERY SAD GOD BLESS THE FAMILY.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 9, 2008 at 09:11 AM
god bless this woman!!!!everybody please check your smoke dect. it may save your life!
Posted by: Laura on May 9, 2008 at 08:57 AM
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of the victim and my prayers are with the man and his small daughter who lived on the first floor. My greatest respect goes out to the police who noticed the fire and the brave firefighters who fought valiantly. A number of years ago, I looked at the upstairs apartment and very quickly decided against renting it. I am fire aware and am always looking for the exit. I remember thinking at the time that the upstairs apartment would be a fire trap. The city of Huntington MUST develop and enforce strict building codes to prevent future tragedies. The town is full of rental units that are dangerous. We have lost enough lives. It is time to take action before more tragedies occur.
Posted by: PLEASE PRAY FOR HER FAMILY on May 9, 2008 at 07:15 AM
PLEASE PLAY FOR THIS LADIES FAMILY AND ALSO FOR THE MAN AND DAUGHTER WHO HEARD HER CRIES FOR HELP...IM SO SORRY FOR THEIR LOSS...MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO COPE WITH YOUR LOSS...AGAIN IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU!!
Posted by: Lad on May 9, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Oh my gosh!! This is horrible. My prayers go out to the family of this woman and to the gentleman and his daughter.
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