A house fire that claimed the life of McMinnville native Edward Layne Lemons, 43, was intentionally set, according to authorities.

Alex Lemons, 15, has been charged with aggravated arson and first-degree murder in the death of his father. He was taken into custody Thursday evening on a juvenile petition.

“On about Dec. 7, 2021, this juvenile did knowingly and intentionally set a residential fire located at 5056 Jacobs Pillar Road, Smithville which resulted in the death of his father, Edward Lemons,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray, reading from the petition signed by Juvenile Court Judge Bratten Cook II.

Alex is being detained at a detention center in Cookeville until his first court date on Monday.

“We believe he intentionally set the fire with an accelerant,” said Ray. “We, along with the Fire Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, gathered numerous items of evidence at the scene that were sent off to crime labs and those things support our case. Accelerant-detecting dogs deployed at the scene were also helpful during the fire investigation.”

Warren County residents were among those who made donations to Alex in the days after the fire because he lost everything and was displaced by the blaze. Alex was a DeKalb County football player and his dad was a longtime supporter of the youth football leagues. In a show of support, Warren County football players helped in fundraising efforts.

No theory has been provided about motive.

At the time of the fire, Alex was reportedly out walking the family dogs when he heard a “loud boom” coming from the area of his home. Upon returning, he said he discovered the home in flames.

Upon arrival, firefighters found fire engulfing the lower area of the split-level home. There was a report of a man trapped inside.

Fire crews worked to contain the blaze, trying to keep the fire from spreading to the upstairs bedrooms, where the victim was believed to be located. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, they were unable to reach the man in time.

Edward Lemons was discovered in a bedroom, apparently succumbing to smoke inhalation. He had apparently attempted to open a window, but was unable and was overcome by smoke.

It has yet to be announced if the juvenile will be prosecuted as an adult.