BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont man is charged with murder in connection with the death of Beaumont minister who was found dead in his home following a house fire early in October.
Officers arrested Channin Keon Ardoin at about 1 a.m. Tuesday October 25, 2022 near the intersection of East Lucas Dr. and U.S. Highway 69 according to a Facebook post from the Beaumont Police Department.
Detectives got a warrant last week for his arrest in connection with the death of Jason West who was found dead following a fire at his home in the 4500 block of Dallas Avenue on October 7, 2022.
Officials said that West's body was "badly burned."
While officers were on scene, the Beaumont fire chief said he believed someone started the fire to hide or destroy evidence, according to a probable cause affidavit.
West's body was found wrapped in plastic under a bed in one of the bedrooms in the home.
Investigators found a bag at the scene that contained bloody socks, gloves and camo shorts laying on top of it, according to the affidavit.
West's death was determined to be a homicide several days after the fire but the official cause of his death is unknown.
Police believe Ardoin stole West's 2012 Hyundai Sonata and drove it from Beaumont to Huntington, where he was spotted by a Hunting Police officer, according to the release.
Huntington is on U.S. Highway 69 about 97 miles north of Beaumont.
After being seen, Ardoin is said to have fled from the officer until he wrecked the car in the parking lot of a Metal Mart on U.S. Highway 69 in Lufkin. He then fled on foot, according to the release.
Ardoin has charges out of Harris County, including theft of mail and unlawful manufacturing of a criminal instrument, according to Justice of the Peace Ben Collins.
He's being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $1 million bond.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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