Man was arrested for allegedly killing two children and intentionally setting fire to a mobile home.

A man was arrested for allegedly killing two children and intentionally setting fire to a mobile home.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old John Henry Walston, Jr. caused the fire at the Grand Oak Mobile Home Park on Flaxman Street in Pensacola, Florida on November 7, 2025.

Walston is accused of killing 9-year-old Vayden Orum and 7-year-old Rayden Smith after he assaulted one of them.

The sheriff’s office says Walston escaped the fire after setting it. He was one of the two adults who received medical treatment at a hospital afterwards, along with one child.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on the incident from Sheriff Chip Simmons. He said in part “I don’t know what else I can say about this terrible event except for please hug your children.”

Walston’s home address is in the area of Flaxman Street. Neighbors say he lived in the trailer with his own family.

Tyler Smith, the father of Rayden Smith and stepfather of Vayden Orum, said that the home belonged to Walston, who he’s known for a few years.

Witnesses say the children’s mother ran into the trailer while it was on fire. She was the other adult taken to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Smith said the three children were staying over at Walston’s during the incident.

“How can you expect any human being to do this?” said Smith. “Let alone, an adult to two kids.”

When asked if he had anything else to say, Smith directed his attention to Walston.

“John, I hope they give you hell in prison,” he said. “Because you better be glad they found you before I did.”

Walston has been charged with two counts of premeditated murder, one count of sexual assault on a victim under 12, and one count of arson.

He’s also accused of killing an animal after a dog was found dead inside the home, too.

Walston is in Escambia County Jail without bond. His first court date is set for November 26.

On November 19, according to the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit of Florida, a grand jury indicted Walston, Jr. on two counts of first-degree murder, sexual battery of a child under 12, arson, and animal cruelty.

On December 5, the Florida State Attorney’s Office has announced that it will seek the death penalty against Walston.