Memphis Teen Indicted; Murders Mother By Arson, Sets House on Fire After Argument

After intentionally setting a fire that killed his mother due to an argument, a 15 year-old Memphis teen has now been indicted on premeditated first-degree murder during the preparation of aggravated arson.

In June, Jonathan Ray confessed to intentionally starting a blaze that would claim the life of his mother, Gwendolyn Wallace, 45, in April following a disagreement that had occurred the night prior.

The teen; who was then fourteen at the, reportedly had unplugged the fire detector and started the blaze that trapped his mother on the second floor of their home two hours after his father had gone off to work.

What caused his anger? New house rules after reportedly being suspended from school and over his girlfriend.

Jonathan Ray confessed about the incident and it was thrown out by the judge due to him allegedly not being read his Miranda Rights. However, Ray’s father James Wallace, had given permission for investigators to speak with him.

Ray was later transferred from Shelby County Juvenile Court to Adult court in June and now faces life in prison if convicted.