x
Breaking News
More () »

1 dead after suspected arson in Gastonia

Gaston County Police said the fire was started by 35-year-old Shawn Christenberry.

GASTONIA, N.C. — A person has died in a house fire after a domestic incident, Gaston County Police said.

Gaston County Police responded to a call about a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Brian Circle in Gastonia near Hickory Grove Road just north of Interstate 85 around 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The person who called in the incident said the house was on fire and that someone was trapped inside. 

The person trapped was not able to get out and died at the scene. Two other victims were able to get out. Police are not identifying any of the victims yet. 

Credit: WCNC Charlotte
Possible arson in Gastonia

Gaston County Police said 35-year-old Shawn Christenberry started the fire. Christenberry has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and first-degree arson.

Christianberry is in the hospital after getting injured in the fire. The circumstances surrounding what led up to the fire have not been released.

Credit: WCNC Charlotte
Possible arson in Gastonia

Gaston County Police is working with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office and the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to please call Detective J. Waldrop at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear about your loved one

If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Before You Leave, Check This Out