Father charged with murder more than a year after man found dead in burned home

More than a year after a man was found dead inside a burned home in Knox County, police have arrested the man’s father in connection with his death.

Charles Phipps, 33, of Kay Jay was found dead inside his home on May 11, 2017, according to Kentucky State Police. An autopsy showed he had injuries to his torso consistent with a gunshot wound.

Paul Phipps, 60, of Barbourville was living next to Charles Phipps, his son, when the fire occurred, according to state police.

On Oct. 31 of this year, a witness told police that Paul Phipps had walked to his son’s house on the night of the fire to get his 9 mm pistol, state police say. He was at his son’s house for about 15 to 20 minutes, and during that time, an argument occurred and shots were heard, according to state police.

After the shots were fired, Paul Phipps returned to his own house and said his son’s house was fully engulfed in flames and smoke, according to state police.

After gathering the new information, investigators executed a search warrant at Paul Phipps house on Nov. 5 and a burned 9 mm pistol was found in a bedroom closet, according to state police.

On Monday, Paul Phipps was arrested and charged with murder, according to state police. He is being held in the Knox County jail.

This story was originally published November 19, 2018 at 11:11 PM.