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Matthew Branch
On Friday, March 29, 2024, just after 4:00 P.M., Edmond Police were called to assist the Edmond Fire Department at a structure fire at 1724 Magnolia Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters observed visible smoke coming from the house, made entry to extinguish the fire, and located one deceased male inside. The victim was later identified as 31-year-old William Jared Burgess. No other people were in the home.
Detectives with the Edmond Police Criminal Investigations Division identified an acquaintance of Burgess’, 32-year-old Matthew James Branch as a potential suspect. After further investigation, Detectives obtained a search warrant for Branch’s residence. The warrant was severed on April 2, 2024, and Branch was placed under arrest for Murder in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree, and Arson in the Third Degree.
Branch was taken to the Edmond Jail for processing, and ultimately transferred to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.