marshall investigate house fire

By KELLI WRIGHT/THE DEMOPOLIS TIMES

OLD SPRINGHILL &8212; A recent house fire on County Road 1 is under further investigation by the Marengo County Sheriff&8217;s Department, Sheriff Jesse Langley said Wednesday.

The fire was turned over to the sheriff&8217;s office and the state fire marshal due to the severity of the fire.

After investigating the scene and speaking with people in the area, officials sought James Sheffield, 27, of Gallion, as a &8220;person of interest&8221; in the case, Langely said. Sheffield may also be going by the alias James Willis.

Authorities said, Sheffield is thought to have been involved with arsons in other counties in the past that may have caused deaths or serious injuries.

Sheffield was charged on July 27 with arson and murder for a fire in Chilton county. He is currently being held at the Chilton County Detention Center awaiting trial.

Langley said they will be contacting the Chilton County Detention Center in order to interview Sheffield in connection with the case.