EDGEFIELD, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Two suspects have been charged with arson in connection with a fire at an abandoned house early Wednesday morning, according to the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office.

Dispatchers, St. He received a call around 5:50 a.m. to respond to a fire at a house on Murphy Street, off Edgefield Road behind Edward Church.

According to authorities, deputies found at the scene that the house was vacant and had no electricity.

Authorities said the house was completely unusable.

Deputies said they followed leads found at the scene and were able to identify the two suspects.

Mary Bridget “Carmen” Sherlock, 30, and Michael Anthony Riley, 23, both of Murphy Estates, were arrested Wednesday, according to authorities.

We learned Thursday that they were both charged with second-degree arson, according to Sheriff Jody Rowland.

Sherlock and Riley are being held at the Edgefield County Detention Center awaiting a bail hearing.

“We are confident that the quality of our case against these two will result in a conviction in the courtroom,” said Sheriff Jody Rowland.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the State Marshal’s Office arson squad, according to authorities.

Merriwether and County Line fire crews also responded to the scene, Dispatch said.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.