Florida Man Murders Two Children During Sleepover Before Setting Home on Fire, Police Say

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA — A 27-year-old Florida man is accused of murdering two children during a sleepover with his own kids, then setting his mobile home on fire before escaping and leaving their mother to desperately try — and fail — to save them.

Authorities identified the suspect as John Henry Walston Jr., who faces charges of two counts of premeditated murder, sexual assault of a child under 12, and arson.

Tragedy Unfolds at Grand Oak Mobile Home Park

The horrific incident took place early Friday morning inside Walston’s residence at the Grand Oak Mobile Home Park in Escambia County. Police say 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith, who were spending the night with Walston’s children, were sexually assaulted and killed before the trailer was deliberately set on fire.

Witnesses told WEAR-TV that the children’s mother ran toward the burning home in a frantic attempt to rescue them.

“She went into the trailer trying to get them. That’s a mother’s love,” neighbor John Wenzel said. “She went inside trying to get her kids, but it was too hot.”

Authorities confirmed that the mother survived but suffered severe burns and was airlifted to a local hospital.

Sheriff: ‘He Killed Them Both Before Saving Himself’

In a video statement posted to Facebook, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons described the killings as “one of the most disturbing crimes” his office has ever investigated.

“These children were not killed because of the fire,” Simmons said. “[Walston] assaulted one, then killed them both before saving himself.”

Walston was treated for injuries consistent with the fire and later taken into custody. He remains held without bond ahead of his November 26 court appearance.

Family and Community in Mourning

The victims’ father, Tyler Smith, told reporters that both children knew the suspect and frequently visited his home.

“How can you expect any human being to do this?” Smith said. “John, I hope they give you hell in prison because you better be glad they found you before I did.”

Their grandmother, Lisa Pinegar, described the loss as a “bad dream” she still can’t believe.

“My grandson told me, ‘Mommy’s been life-flighted to the hospital. My brother and sister are gone,’” Pinegar recalled. “He just kept saying it over and over. I didn’t want to believe it.”

Suspect’s Family and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities say Walston lived in the trailer with his own children and partner, who were not injured. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the killings and arson, but Sheriff Simmons said the evidence clearly points to intentional, premeditated violence.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to support the grieving family and remain vigilant against child abuse and sexual violence. For continued updates on this and other developing crime stories, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.