Authorities are still searching for a missing couple as part of a double-arson investigation, according to the Baxter County sheriff's office.
The fire at the home of Donald Rice, 75, and Ladonna Rice, 71, was first reported about 7:34 p.m. Saturday at 447 Baxter County Road 508, Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery said.
Montgomery said investigators are working under the assumption that the couple's bodies may be inside the home, bringing in heavy equipment as well as a search dog to slowly go through debris.
He added that crews are "working around the clock" to locate the couple. No time frame has been set for when the search at the home might end, Montgomery said. Family members have also been contacted for any possible leads that might help in the investigation.
Authorities said they matched the VIN number from a burned-out vehicle found about 8:30 a.m. Sunday in a remote area along Baxter County Road 1 to a 2015 GMC Sierra Denali pickup missing from the home.
A total of 12 investigators — six from the Baxter County sheriff's office and six from Arkansas State Police — are assisting in the case, Montgomery said, adding that three are specialized arson investigators.
Arkansas State Police spokesman Bill Sadler directed all questions Monday afternoon to the sheriff's office.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call the Baxter County sheriff's office at (870) 425-7000 or the anonymous tip line at (870) 424-4363.
