A Thursday morning fire on Meharry Boulevard left a 65-year-old man in critical condition and another man treated for smoke inhalation, and now their roommate, 67-year-old Gary Murray Jr., is facing an aggravated arson charge, authorities say. Fire crews pulled the two men from the burning home, and the more seriously injured roommate was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s burn unit with life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
Witnesses told investigators Murray started the blaze to kill a woman who was with him, and detectives say he admitted setting his bed on fire while she lay in it. According to NewsChannel 5, Titans Unit detectives found Murray on Thursday afternoon and arrested him on an unrelated warrant. Police said additional charges are expected. Neither Murray nor the woman was at the scene when firefighters arrived.
Fire crews declared a Code Red and pulled roommates from the flames
Nashville Fire Department units rolled up around 8:15 a.m. to a two-story duplex on Meharry Boulevard and reported heavy smoke and flames. When crews learned people might still be inside, they called a "Code Red" and launched an immediate rescue effort. WSMV reported that firefighters found a semi-conscious man, pulled him from the building, and rushed him to the hospital, while a second man was evacuated and treated at the scene. Earlier coverage also highlighted the quick response and dramatic rescue; see Firefighters Pull Two Men From Burning Duplex.
Legal stakes
Under Tennessee law, aggravated arson covers fires where people are injured or where occupants are present, which makes it a high-level felony with serious prison exposure. Convictions can result in lengthy sentences, and legal commentary notes that in severe cases, sentencing ranges can include 15–25 years. For statutory context and related appellate decisions, see Justia.
Investigation ongoing
Metro Nashville police say the department’s fire investigation unit is still processing the scene and reviewing evidence as detectives weigh further charges. NewsChannel 5 reports that investigators have interviewed witnesses and that authorities expect to bring additional counts as the case develops.
