Name: Jack McKenzie Ross.
Died: May 18, 2022.
Age at death: 35.
Cause of death: Arson fire.
Location: Tyler, Texas, USA.
Disability: Mental and physical disability.
Details:
When Jack’s home caught on fire, he was trapped inside and died. Fire investigators believe Jack’s brother deliberately set the fire, knowing that Jack’s physical and mental disabilities might keep him from escaping.
Jack loved to cook, clean, and help others, and did his share of the chores at home. Jack was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, watched wrestling every Friday, and is remembered for his loving personality.
In his obituary, Jack’s family says:
The news media referred to him a ‘man with special needs’. His ‘special needs’ were to always seek out those who needed a helping hand. They did not know our Jack. He never had a need, special or otherwise. His desire was to help others. He was an “extraordinarily special person”, but not for the reasons they gave.
Case Status:
Robert Harrison Johnson IV (Half-brother), charged with murder.
Sources:
Tyler man accused of causing house fire that killed half-brother with special needs indicted on arson
Man charged with starting Smith County house fire that killed his half-brother
Man arrested for murder after allegedly starting fatal fire that killed half-brother
OFFICIALS: East Texas man arrested for murder after setting house fire that killed half-brother with special needs
Smith County man accused of starting fire which killed disabled half-brother
Police: East Texas man blames ‘spirits’ for causing fire that killed his half-brother with special needs