WARREN TOWNSHIP — A 73-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two individuals in Warren Township. Carroll Bruton is facing charges of murder and arson for the blaze that occurred early Sunday morning on Miller Street. The victims have been identified as 82-year-old Roscoe Toles and 51-year-old Etianne Whitaker, both of whom were relatives of the suspect. Authorities have deemed Bruton a risk of serious harm and his bond has been revoked.
The incident unfolded when the neighbor of the victims, George Palmer, 37, called 911 upon hearing what he believed to be fireworks. Shortly after, Palmer witnessed a large explosion that sent flames into his driveway. He hurriedly contacted emergency services, but by the time they arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames. Palmer, along with other neighbors, could only stand back and watch as firefighters worked to extinguish the inferno.
Darryl Parker, a long-time neighbor of the victims, expressed his shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths. Parker described the close-knit neighborhood, where everyone knew each other and often offered assistance when needed. He acknowledged that grieving is even more challenging when the loss is sudden and violent, like in this case.
Regarding the suspect, Carroll Bruton, Parker recalled seeing him frequently in the neighborhood reciting Bible verses. He mentioned that Bruton had been a familiar presence since childhood. In addition, Parker shared details about Etianne Whitaker, known by many as ET, who had a successful boxing career as a super middleweight and light heavyweight fighter. Whitaker had fought both in the United States and internationally, retiring in 2010 with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses, and 2 draws.
As investigation into the fatal house fire continues, Bruton remains in police custody. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 16, following a risk assessment and a bond review. The community is left mourning the loss of Roscoe Toles and Etianne Whitaker, reflecting on their lives and the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful Sunday morning.
