Blount County, TN – Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire on Payne Hollow Road in Walland and revealed new details about the suspect charged in connection with their deaths.
The victims, Cas Ivan Farley, 61, Delmar Marty Farley, 59, and Norma Kay Farley, 65, were found deceased in the remains of their home on January 19. Firefighters responding to reports of the blaze around 9 p.m. extinguished the flames before discovering the victims amid the debris. The fire completely destroyed the residence, according to the Blount County Fire Protection District.
John Ray Wilburn, 56, of Walland, has been charged with three counts of criminal homicide in connection with the deaths. Preliminary findings from autopsies conducted at the Knox County Regional Forensic Center indicated injuries consistent with homicide, suggesting foul play rather than an accidental fire.
Wilburn is currently being held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Blount County General Sessions Court on January 27. Investigators are continuing to examine the scene for evidence, including potential accelerants and signs of forced entry, as they piece together the events leading to the tragic fire and deaths.
The loss of the Farley family members has sent shockwaves through the Walland community, leaving neighbors and loved ones mourning the senseless loss of life. The incident has also raised concerns about safety and the importance of vigilance to prevent future tragedies.
As investigators work to uncover the truth, the case underscores the critical role of thorough investigations in ensuring justice. For now, the community remains united in its grief and commitment to seeking accountability for the lives lost in this devastating incident.