BERNARD RANDOLPH BROWN- SUSPICIOUS DEATH
On the evening of July 25th, 1981, Bernard Randolph Brown was sleeping when he was awoken by an individual that was staying with him who had smelled smoke. The house was on fire. Bernard supposedly told her to exit via the window.
The individual stated that she wrapped herself in a curtain drape and exited the home through the window. She also stated that though she heard him moving around in the house, he never came out the window. The home was located at 412 Franklin Street.
His nude body was located in the northeast bedroom section of the house. He had partial burns on his body; however, according to Lake City Police Investigator Larry Dougherty, he believed that Bernard had died from smoke inhalation.
The property damage was estimated to be around $8500 ($25,990 in 2021 dollars).
At some point in the investigation, evidence gathered pointed toward potential arson, and the case became a homicide investigation. It is still open, with no further information at this time.
If you have any information pertaining to this case, you are asked to contact the Lake City Police Department at 386-752-4343.
ADDITIONALLY, A REWARD OF UP TO $1000 IS BEING OFFERED IN THIS CASE THANKS TO CRIME STOPERS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY! YOU WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS, AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO TESTIFY IN COURT, SHOULD THERE BE A TRIAL! YOU CAN REACH CRIME STOPPERS AT 386-754-7099