Midland police have arrested a man for murder following an investigation into a structure fire that left a woman dead early Monday morning.
Johnny Wayne Robertson, 50, is currently held at the Midland County Sheriff's Office Central Detention Center for the charge of murder in connection with the death of 55-year-old Jennifer Sockey, who was found deceased during a fire at her home in the 700 block of North Lincoln Street.
Midland Fire and Police Departments were called out to the fire at approximately 1:19 a.m. Monday. While searching the home, firefighters found a deceased woman identified as Sockey. A dog inside the home was also recovered and taken to a local veterinarian's office, but was later euthanized due to the severity of its injuries. The home was a total loss.
During their investigation, officers learned that Robertson also lived at the residence and that there was a history of domestic violence between the two subjects. Robertson was located Monday morning under a bridge near the residence and was taken into custody for questioning. Robertson admitted to starting the fire in the residence, then leaving the home, knowing that Sockey was inside.
Sockey was pronounced deceased at the scene and her body has been transported to Tarrant County for an autopsy. Robertson's bond has been set at $1 million.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz