SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — A Scottsbluff man remains in custody following a deadly fire that claimed the life of his father Thursday night.

Elijah Cervantes, 44, was arrested after officers responded to a fire at 1022 11th Ave. around 9:43 p.m. Upon arrival, police and firefighters discovered 74-year-old Anthony Cervantes had been doused with an accelerant and set on fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified Elijah Cervantes as the suspect and took him into custody. While initially suspected of second-degree murder and first-degree arson, authorities have not yet formally filed those charges. However, he has been charged with flight to avoid arrest, reckless driving and driving left of center. 

The Scottsbluff Police Department was assisted by the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Gering Police Department, CERT and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.