Man charged with murder after elderly couple killed in St Helens arson attack
Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson died after a house fire on South John Street
A man has been charged with the murder of an elderly couple who died following an arson attack at their home in St Helens.
Lee Owens, 46, of no fixed address, has been charged with two counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Saturday 26th July.
Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, died in hospital after a blaze broke out at their home on South John Street on Tuesday 15th July. Police have been treating the incident as a deliberate arson attack.
A 31-year-old man from St Helens who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains on conditional bail.
In a tribute released after their deaths, relatives of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson said they were: “our Queen and King... a deeply loved mum, nan, great-Nan, sister, auntie, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and couple”.
“They were known for being the life and soul of the party, always loving a song on the karaoke and enjoying a great caravan holiday.
“They will forever be devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends and the community.”