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Murrieta Today
By the People, for the People
Parents Charged in Deadly Murrieta House Fire
Stacey Hales and Adam Keenan face multiple counts in blaze that killed their two daughters
Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:54pm
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Authorities have arrested Stacey Hales, 46, and Adam Keenan, 43, the parents of two young girls who died in a Murrieta house fire last year. The couple face multiple charges, including reckless burning causing death, child endangerment, and animal cruelty, in connection with the blaze that killed their 11-year-old daughter Abagail and 12-year-old daughter Emma.
Why it matters
The tragic loss of life in this fire has shaken the Murrieta community, raising questions about parental responsibility and the need for stricter fire safety regulations, especially in residential areas. The case also highlights the challenges faced by first responders in dealing with deadly blazes.
The details
According to police, officers responded to the fire at 41690 Knight Drive in the early hours of December 20th. They found a mobile home, carport, three vehicles, two outbuildings, and a large pine tree engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze after about 45 minutes, but Abagail and Emma Keenan were found dead inside the home, along with several household pets. Hales and Keenan were hospitalized after the fire, and investigators later determined they were "criminally responsible" for the incident.
- The fire occurred in the early hours of December 20, 2025.
- Hales and Keenan were arrested on March 14, 2026.
- Hales' next court appearance is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
The players
Stacey Hales
A 46-year-old Murrieta resident who was arrested and charged with two counts of reckless burning causing death, two counts of reckless burning of an inhabited structure, two counts of child endangerment, and one count of animal cruelty.
Adam Keenan
A 43-year-old Murrieta resident who was arrested and charged with two counts of child endangerment and one count of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Abagail Keenan
The 11-year-old daughter of Hales and Keenan who died in the house fire.
Emma Keenan
The 12-year-old daughter of Hales and Keenan who died in the house fire.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on March 17 whether to allow Stacey Hales to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This heartbreaking case underscores the importance of fire safety and the need for parents to be held accountable for the well-being of their children. It also highlights the challenges faced by first responders in dealing with deadly blazes and the lasting impact these tragedies can have on a community.
