Woman found dead after Tyler house fire, man arrested on murder charge

Published 10:00 am Tuesday, November 19, 2024

UPDATE, Nov. 19: The murder suspect was facing an eviction from the home of his girlfriend, who was found dead after a house fire early Monday morning. Read the latest story, where an arrest warrant affidavit reveals more information about the alleged murder.

A woman was found dead early Monday morning following a house fire in the 3300 block of Shady Trail, and a Tyler man has been arrested on a murder charge in connection with the incident, authorities said.

Tyler Fire Department crews responded to the fire around 3:35 a.m. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters discovered the woman’s body in a back room of the residence. Her identity has not been released, pending autopsy results.

About 20 minutes later, at 3:55 a.m., Gregory Bargaineer, 67, of Tyler, walked into the lobby of the Smith County Jail and made statements about an incident involving a woman at the residence on Shady Trail, according to officials.

Tyler Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives and fire investigators interviewed Bargaineer and, based on evidence gathered, obtained an arrest warrant for him on a charge of murder. He is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing.