A tragic case has come to light in Baytown, Texas, where a man is now facing murder charges after police say he admitted to setting his own house on fire—an act that led to the death of his elderly father.
What Happened in Baytown?
Baytown Fire and EMS teams rushed to a home last Monday and found it completely on fire. Once the flames were put out, they made a sad discovery: the body of a 73-year-old man, identified as Floyd Hadley, was found in the bathtub. Soon after, police named the victim’s son, 40-year-old Clinton Hadley, as the suspect in the case.
Fire Investigators Find Key Clues
Court documents say the gas meter at the home appeared either broken or tampered with, raising suspicion. Investigators also found video footage from a nearby home showing a man walking away from the side of the house and driving off.
Just seconds later, smoke was seen rising from the back of the house. Police later confirmed that the car seen in the footage belonged to Clinton.
Suspect Arrested in Another State
The investigation didn’t stop in Baytown. Authorities tracked Clinton to Louisiana, where the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested him the same day. Reports say Clinton walked into a business there and threatened to burn the building unless he was given gas money.
After his arrest, Baytown officers went to Louisiana to speak with him. At first, Clinton denied setting the fire. However, court records reveal that he later admitted to starting the fire by burning furniture in his bedroom. He reportedly told detectives that he wanted to destroy the house and leave his family behind.
Mental Health Concerns Reported
This case also highlights previous concerns about Clinton’s mental health. Just the night before the fire, his aunt had reportedly called the Baytown Police Department for a welfare check. She said Clinton was schizophrenic and had been talking about setting the house on fire. Sadly, her concerns became a reality just hours later.
Charges and Next Steps
Clinton Hadley is now facing a murder charge and remains in custody. The case is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice is served. This incident has deeply shocked the Baytown community and raised awareness about the importance of mental health intervention in time.
This heartbreaking story shows how quickly situations can turn dangerous, especially when mental health issues are not addressed in time. A family has lost a loved one, and another member now faces serious criminal charges.
It’s a strong reminder of the need for better care and attention for individuals showing signs of mental distress. Authorities are continuing their investigation, but for now, the community mourns the loss of a man who likely never expected such an end—at the hands of his own son.
