Parents arrested after their two daughters die in mobile home fire in Murrieta.
Authorities in Murrieta, California, have arrested the parents of two pre-teen girls who tragically lost their lives in a mobile home fire on December 20, 2025. The 12-year-old daughters, Emma and her twin sister Abby, perished in the blaze, while their mother, Stacey Hales, and father, Adam Keenan, now face multiple felony charges related to the incident.
Murrieta police were dispatched to the fire at approximately 4:45 a.m. on the morning of the tragedy, located in the 41000 block of Knight Drive. When emergency services arrived, they found not only the mobile home engulfed in flames but also a carport, three vehicles, and two outbuildings ablaze. A large pine tree was also affected by the fire. Firefighters worked diligently for roughly 45 minutes to bring the inferno under control, but unfortunately, the fire claimed the lives of the two girls as well as several household pets. Three additional individuals suffered injuries in the incident.
Following an extensive investigation, authorities determined there was sufficient evidence to suggest that Hales and Keenan were responsible for the fatal fire. While specific details about the evidence have not been disclosed, officials cited Hales’s alleged involvement in “reckless burning” that led to the girls’ deaths. The term “reckless burning” typically refers to acts that endanger others or property through negligent actions.
Family members have identified the deceased girls as Emma and Abby, and they noted that a twin sister, Ashley, survived the incident. Hales suffered temporary vision loss due to the fire but is reportedly recovering.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is poised to file multiple felony charges against both Hales and Keenan. Hales faces accusations of reckless burning causing death, reckless burning of an inhabited structure, child endangerment, animal cruelty, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Keenan is charged with child endangerment and being under the influence as well; however, further details regarding the type of substance involved have not been released.
Stacey Hales has been released on a 0,000 bail and is scheduled for an upcoming court hearing, while Adam Keenan remains in custody following his arrest on March 13, 2026. The Murrieta Police Department encourages anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Detective Velazquez at 951-461-6340, or to submit tips anonymously through their website.
No further announcements have been made regarding this ongoing investigation.
This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and awareness in residential settings, especially in homes where children reside.
