Homicide detectives investigated a fatal residential fire & arrested Charles Christian for murder & attempted murder
DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 17, 2021 2:14 a.m.
INCIDENT: Murder/Attempted Murder Investigation
LOCATION: 7200 block of Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino
VICTIMS(S):
Charolette Knight, 85-years-old, resident of San Bernardino (deceased)
Douglas Guyette, 68-years-old, resident of San Bernardino (injured)
Linda Guyette, 67-years-old, resident of San Bernardino (injured)
SUSPECT: Charles Tyson Christian, 47-years-old, resident of San Bernardino
SUMMARY:
On Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2:14 a.m. deputies from Central Station responded to 911 calls of a house fire on Tippecanoe Ave. Deputies arrived and found heavy smoke and flames at the rear of the house. Two victims had escaped the home but had returned inside attempting to rescue an elderly woman and were burned while doing so. Fire personnel arrived and made entry and were able to rescue the woman, later identified as Charolette Knight. Knight was transported to St. Bernadines Hospital but succumbed to her injuries at 3:21 a.m.
Due to the nature of the fire, detectives from the Homicide Detail and Arson Investigators from the fire department responded to conduct the investigation. While at the scene, deputies contacted the Guyette’s son, Charles Christian. After processing evidence at the scene and conducting interviews, Christian was interviewed by Homicide detectives. Following the interview, Christian was arrested and booked for murder and attempted murder.
Douglas Guyette was transported to the hospital with burn injuries and remains hospitalized in intensive care. Linda Guyette was also hospitalized with burn injuries and was treated and released.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Detective Jon Cavender, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Jon Cavender or Sergeant Jon Woods
Station: Specialized Investigations Division Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. DR#012101006 H#2021-049
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location SBSD – Headquarters
655 E 3rd St San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700
Release Information from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Original Release https://local.nixle.com/alert/8664042/