An investigation into a double homicide is ongoing in Guthrie County.

Wednesday, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s office along with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced that they had arrested 26-year-old Patrick Thompson of Nevada and charged him with two Class A Felonies for first degree murder, two Class B Felonies for attempted murder and another Class B Felony for first degree arson.

Thompson is accused of intentionally setting 74-year-old Shirley Exline’s house at 1005 Main Street in Guthrie Center on fire on May 15th. Two girls died as a result of the fire. The State Medical Examiner’s office determined the victims were Shirley Exline’s grandchildren, 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham and 12-year-old Paige Exline, both of Guthrie Center. Shirley and a fourth victim, 54-year-old William Long, III, Shakiah and Paige’s uncle, suffered injuries. Thompson is the stepbrother of Paige.

Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright talks about how tough of an investigation this has been so far.

“It was one of the harder cases. I mean when it’s two young children involved in this it’s a tragedy. It was hard for everyone. We have spent a lot of time and there has been a lot of workforce that went into this and pretty much everyday and with all the agencies involved. So it’s good to be where we’re at I guess and as far as hopefully drawing to a closure with this.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case can contact the Guthrie County Sheriff’s office at 641-747-2214.