Oxford, AL – In June of 2023 the Calhoun Journal reported on a fire in Oxford that claimed two lives. The cause of the fire was placed under investigation by the Oxford Fire Department and State and Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office. A separate criminal investigation was also opened by the Oxford Police Department. On November 3, 2023, Arthur Lynn Turner was arrested in Knoxville, Tennessee where he was held until he was brought back to the Calhoun County Jail on November 15, 2023. Turner, 52, has been charged with two county of Murder While in Commission of Another Felony and is being held with no bond.
During the time of the fire two males were located deceased inside the building and and a young girl was rescued and brought to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham with serious injuries. The Oxford City Council recognized the acts of heroism at the July 26th city council meeting, The City of Oxford along with the Oxford Fire Department honored Firefighter Cole Macoy and Lt. Caylon Reaves for their actions that saved the life of 8-year-old Kyleigh Caffey. Miss Caffey was trapped inside a structure fire that occurred June 20 on Main Street in downtown Oxford. Fire Chief Gary Sparks shared the details of the fire that took the lives of two people. He also shared how the heroism of two particular firefighters that saved the life of an eight year old girl. Those two were aware the Earl Haynes Award for Excellence. In addition he wanted to acknowledge the team that worked together to save lives from paramedics, EMT, RN, police, and other firefighters.
Oxford Police Chief, Bill Partridge, advised, “The suspected motive in this case cannot be released at this time due to the investigation still being ongoing and more charges are possible.”
