A man has been detained by South Carolina police in connection with the discovery of six bodies following a house fire.
The names of two of the deceased have been confirmed by Colleton County officials, and 33-year-old Ryan Lenard Manigo is being jailed without bond.
Further charges are pending the results of the post-mortem, but the suspect has already been charged with two counts of murder and one act of attempted murder.
A 13-year-old victim who was discovered alive is receiving medical care.
The only survivor of Sunday’s incident was airlifted to a hospital west of Charleston, around 40 miles (65km) away, in critical condition.
Before being taken to hospital, the surviving victim was able to provide a name and description of the suspect, who was arrested nearby, according to police.
Police were called to the Green Pond community around 11:00 local time after a neighbour reported seeing a house on fire.
In addition to murder and arson charges, Mr Manigo is also faces charges of attempted murder.
No motive has been released for the attack.
“The evidence collected has been sent to the State Law Enforcement Division for analysis,” Sheriff Buddy Hill told a news conference on Monday.
“At this time, we do not have a motive. This is a very active investigation and, as details emerge, we will forward them to the family and the media.”
The suspect was the brother-in-law of 50-year-old Michelle Marie Wright and the father of 11-year-old Shariah Manigo, police said on Monday, identifying two of the victims.
The other four victims will be identified after post-mortem examinations are complete, the sheriff said.
David Magwood told NBC News that several of the victims are family members. He said his 101-year-old mother was among those killed.
Family members of the victims were allowed to address the suspect at Monday’s preliminary hearing. A plea has yet to be entered and the investigation continues.