Jacksonville duplex deaths ruled accidental

A family of five found dead inside a Jacksonville duplex succumbed to smoke inhalation, an official said Friday.

A spokesman for the Pulaski County Coroner's Office said the death was a direct result of smoke and soot inhalation and was ruled accidental.

There were no signs of struggle on the body of Marilyn Beavers 30, or the children Dequan Singleton, 10, Sydni Singleton 9, Haylee Beavers 6 or Emily Beavers, 4, the spokesman said.

Officials were investigating whether a smoke detector went off in the unit where a mother and her four children lived.

Authorities say a smoke alarm was hard-wired into the duplex and it’s being tested as part of the investigation. They say smoke detectors in the duplexes do not send signals directly to the fire department and that the detectors do not require regular battery replacement because they are wired into the complex.

Phil Nix, the executive director of the Jacksonville Housing Authority says a maintenance worker discovered the bodies and that extensive smoke damage was visible in the kitchen.

Community reacts to Jacksonville family's death

Watch Video