Man confesses to murdering victim in Summerville house fire, police say

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – The Summerville Police Department is investigating after a man confessed to murdering a victim who was found inside a burning home on Tuesday.

Officers responded to the 100 block of Halcyon Drive for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, officials say a deceased individual was discovered inside the home.

Authorities report the circumstances surrounding the fire and suspicious wounds on the victim raised concerns. Detectives also noted the victim’s vehicle was missing from the residence.

After the vehicle’s description was BOLO’ed to other agencies the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit.

Roger Lavar Smalls, 35, was identified as the driver.

Police say following an investigation, Smalls confessed to murdering the victim found at the Halcyon Drive residence.

The Dorchester County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the deceased.

The Summerville Fire Department, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Charleston City Policy Department, United States Marshals, and Dorchester County Coroner’s Office are assisting in the investigation.