Gary man charged in arson that killed his grandmother, 79

GARY, Ind. (AP) - An Indiana man has been charged in connection with a fire that killed his 79-year-old grandmother in her Gary home.

Prosecutor Bernard Carter says Friday that 25-year-old Kyle Gray faces several charges including murder and arson.

Barbara Walker's body was found early Thursday morning. Authorities say it appeared a flammable liquid had been poured on her and through parts of the home.

Police say that Gray was standing outside when an officer and firefighters arrived and that Gray told the officer his grandmother was in the house.

An empty gasoline can later was found in a van outside the house.

Court records show that Gray told investigators the fire accidentally was started after an argument with his grandmother.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports that Walker died of smoke inhalation.