REGIONAL: Teen takes his own life after allegedly setting two houses on fire

File / eExtra News

A 19-year-old male took his own life after police believe he started two house fires.

The fires happened Thursday afternoon. The police department received a call at 4:17 p.m. that a male subject was inside a house in the 700 block of Valley Court with a firearm and a can of gasoline.

“It was reported to 9-1-1 by a caller that a male subject, who was related to the homeowner, entered the home with a firearm and a can of gasoline and ordered a family member to get out of the house,” officials with RCPD said. “While officers were en route, it was advised that the house was on fire. Upon arrival at 4:23 pm, officers observed heavy smoke and large flames coming from the inside of the residence.”

Two minutes later, Rockwall County 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call about a second house fire in the 500 block of Janette Court in Royse City. Fire Department Personnel from Royse City Fire Department, Fate DPS, Heath DPS, McLendon-Chisolm Fire Department, and Rockwall Fire Department responded to both locations and the fires were contained. Both structures sustained heavy damage, officials said.

“A search of the residence on Valley Court discovered a deceased body believed to be a 19-year-old male,” officials said. “Based on evidence recovered at the scene, it appears that the 19-year-old male subject may have intentionally set both fires before taking his own life.”

The Royse City Police Department and the Royse City Fire Department are conducting joint investigations. There is no additional information available at this time.