Holton man pleads guilty to first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated arson

TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – A Holton man accused of setting a fire in 2023 that killed his girlfriend and two children has pleaded guilty to his role in the incident.

Genny Fitzpatrick, 30, Peyton Tyler, 9, and Kourtney Tyler, 1, were all found dead from smoke inhalation in their home at 916 Warren Ave. on January 20, 2023.

Kyle Tyler, 33, was found by Topeka Fire Department (TFD) firefighters with a flashlight on the back patio of the home. Authorities believe the flashlight was used to start the fire. After Tyler was treated, he was arrested and eventually charged with three counts of murder and multiple counts of aggravated arson and child endangerment.

According to Shawnee County District Court records, Tyler pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson during a hearing on Thursday, August 22. Sentencing was set for October 23.

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