![]() |
Arson on Gage Street in Louisville |
Forty nine year old Fred Lee Eiland is in custody at the Winston Choctaw Correctional Facility. Eiland is accused of starting a fire in the early morning hours of Saturday of a backyard apartment on Gage Street in Louisville. At the time, the structure was occupied by one adult and four juveniles.
Merredythe Eiland, the adult, was killed in the fire. A seventeen year old juvenile was seriously injured as well. The juvenile was transported to Jackson by air. His current condition is unknown.
![]() |
Fred Lee Eiland |
The victim had a restraining order against Eiland at the time of the fire. Eiland's initial charges will include: murder, arson and aggravated assault.
After discussion with the District Attorney and the Louisville Police Department, the decision was made to charge Eiland in county court due to the various jurisdictions involved. Louisville Police, Winston County Sheriff and arson investigator and the state fire marshal's office were all involved in the investigation.
Eiland was captured on Saturday afternoon in rural Winston County after a short high speed chase by officers.