ST. LOUIS, MO – A St. Louis man faces murder and arson charges following the deaths of a mother and her 9-year-old daughter in a fire authorities say was deliberately set after both victims were shot in their home.

Michael McNair, 40, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and first-degree arson. The case stems from a December 2025 attack on Floy Avenue in northwestern St. Louis that left 45-year-old LaTasha Brown and her daughter, Paige Buckner, dead.

Emergency crews responded to the home on the evening of December 21, where they discovered the victims inside the burning residence. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, but the child succumbed to her injuries on December 22, followed by her mother a day later.

According to investigators, a critical discovery at the crime scene pointed to arson and foul play. Firefighters and police found the home’s smoke detectors had been tampered with, disabling the alarm. Forensic analysis revealed McNair’s fingerprints on the devices.

Authorities say McNair and Brown were romantically involved at the time. Surveillance and cellphone data added further evidence, showing both McNair’s and Brown’s phones inside her SUV, which was captured leaving the scene shortly after flames broke out.

Law enforcement traced the vehicle’s journey, noting that Brown’s phone stopped near an intersection about a mile away while the SUV continued south. Eventually, the car was located in Poplar Bluff, a town around 150 miles from St. Louis. Investigators also recovered blood evidence from inside the vehicle, and tracking data placed McNair’s phone in the same area, according to a probable cause statement.

Charges were formally brought against McNair on December 26. However, police allege that information regarding the impending arrest may have been leaked. On December 27, New Madrid County Deputy Lakesha Miller allegedly warned an acquaintance of an upcoming police visit connected to the case. Miller has since been charged with hindering prosecution and has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Miller told investigators she intended for the message to help law enforcement apprehend McNair, not to thwart the investigation.

Multiple attempts to apprehend McNair were made in early January. On January 8, law enforcement arrived at an address in pursuit of the suspect but found evidence that he had recently left. Authorities later tracked his movements to various locations in Poplar Bluff, where he was ultimately located and arrested this week.

Authorities report that McNair admitted to investigators he was involved with Brown and argued with her the night before the fatal attack and fire.

Police described the case as deeply distressing and noted the devastating impact the crime has had on the victims’ loved ones and the wider St. Louis community. McNair is currently being held without bond as the legal process moves forward.

Family members remember LaTasha Brown as a devoted mother and Paige Buckner as a cheerful young girl with a promising future. Loved ones have established a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses.