Sheriff’s Office: Burned body found at arson scene may be missing suspect; possible suicide
Originally published as a Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post:
“On June 15, 2022, at 12:46 am the Plumas County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received multiple 911s reporting a structure fire at 365 3rd Ave in Portola.
Fire personnel from Beckwourth, Eastern Plumas, Graeagle, and Sierra Valley fire departments responded as well as personnel from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived on the scene and determined that all occupants of the residence were out safely. Deputies then began evacuating neighboring homes. The occupants of the residence told a deputy that Kevin Taylor was responsible for starting the fire. Kevin Taylor is the estranged husband of Christian Taylor who resides in the home with her teenage son. Christian and her son were treated for minor burns and later released from the hospital.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office along with an arson investigator from Calfire were called out to conduct an arson and attempted homicide investigation. Deputies began an extensive search of the Portola area for Kevin Taylor.
During the investigation of the fire, a burned human body was found in the debris. The body was discovered on the front porch where it is believed that the fire was started. The remains were removed and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death and the identity of the remains.
The Sheriff’s Office has been unable to locate Kevin Taylor. At this time in the investigation, it is believed that Kevin Taylor started the fire at the residence and took his own life as a result. The case is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.”
