One suspect in NC arson and murder arrested in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – One of the suspects accused in a North Carolina arson and murder case was caught hundreds of miles away in Columbus.

The fatal blaze happened in Jasper, North Carolina around 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Crews battled the fire for two hours before finding the bodies of Marjorie Thompson and her dog inside.

“Right now, we are ruling the cause of death as a homicide, so we are treating this as a homicide investigation as well as an arson and felony animal abuse as well,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.

The Craven County Sheriff’s Office said Thompson’s grandson, 17-year-old James Christopher Gizzi, is a suspect.

A warrant for Gizzi has been issued for Felony Larceny.

Gizzi’s brother John, is also a suspect.

He lives in Columbus.

Sunday, Lowndes County investigators were notified by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office about Gizzi and a stolen car.

The 19-year-old brother was charged with Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle after deputies arrested him on the 1300 block of North Street in Columbus.

They also found a stolen Toyota Camry from North Carolina.

This case is still active. Lowndes County Deputies are working with Craven County investigators.

More information will be released Thursday in this case.