UPDATE: Larry Bernard Williams was arrested for the death of Diamond Shelman and Jeremiah Shelman. Williams was the boyfriend of Diamond and the father of Jeremiah.
Williams has been charged with two counts of Murder and one count of Arson.
ORIGINAL STORY: A death and arson investigation is underway in Manatee County Sunday after firefighters said a woman and child died in an apartment fire there.
The victims have been identified as Diamond Shelman, 18, and 8-month-old Jeremiah Shelman, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said. They lived in the Avalon Square Apartments complex at 3506 14th St. W.
The incident was spotted when a firefighter traveling south on 14th Street West on his way to work spotted flames coming from a downstairs apartment.
The firefighter called for assistance. Cedar Hammock Fire Department responded.
The two victims were found in the apartment, a Manatee sheriff's office news release said. Diamond Shelman had trauma to her body inconsistent to fire related injuries.
Deputies and detectives arrived on scene to investigate the deaths. The Cedar Hammock Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the fire.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the fire and arson and death investigations to contact the Manatee County Sheriff's Office at (941) 747-3011 or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS ( 8477)
This is a developing story. Stay with ABC Action News for updates.
