Law enforcement investigates two fatalities in Wallace fire

Update: The victims have been identified as James Everett Willis, 71, and Diana Moore Brown, 70. Both victims are being transported to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsies.

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WALLACE  (April 3, 2024) – Two people were found dead at a mobile home in South NC 41 Highway, near Powell Page Road in Wallace.  

According to Emergency Management officials, the Duplin County 911 Center was notified of a residential structure fire at 5:08 a.m. 

Initial responding units found the mobile home engulfed in flames as they arrived, and the home had loss of structural integrity. According to the press release, first responders found two deceased victims inside of the residence as they were performing fire suppression and searches of the structure. 

Officials stated that due to the investigation’s ongoing nature, they cannot release further details about the victims or the fire’s cause. 

The Duplin County Fire Marshal’s Office, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) are investigating the fire. 

Officials are asking the public to avoid the area of South NC 41 Highway near Powell Page Road in Wallace to allow responders to safely work and investigate the incident.  

Sheriff Stratton Stokes thanks the investigating agencies and the hard work of the Harrells Fire Department, Wallace Fire Department, Teachey Fire Department, Rose Hill Fire Department, Penderlea Fire Department, Duplin County EMS, Duplin County E-911 Communications Dispatching Department, Duplin County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.