Johnson City Arson Suspect Rejects Plea Deal

The scene of a deadly fire at 145 Floral Avenue on October 19, 2015. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

A 39-year-old man accused of setting a Johnson City fire that killed two young boys and critically injured two women has turned down what was described by prosecutors as a final plea deal.

Prosecutors expect Dwight Burton's trial on murder, arson and other charges to take place early next year.

Police investigators have said they believe Burton is responsible for the October 2015 fire that tore through the upper portion of an apartment house at 145 Floral Avenue.

Two brothers - 3-year-old Michael Maxwell and 4-year-old Joshua Maxwell - died as a result of the fire. The mother of the boys - 27-year-old Erica Lynn - and her friend - 28-year-old Jessica Baxter - were critically injured.

Under the proposed plea agreement, Burton was offered a prison sentence of 46 to 50 years to life. He rejected the offer, opting to go to trial.

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