Murrieta Couple Arrested After Deadly House Fire Kills Two Daughters

Authorities say parents had history of dangerous cooking habits and substance abuse issues.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A Murrieta, California couple has been arrested after a house fire killed their two young daughters, Emma and Abby Hales. Investigators say the mother, Stacey Hales, had been previously warned about her unsafe cooking practices, including leaving a propane stove unattended, which they believe led to the deadly blaze. The parents also reportedly admitted to regularly using methamphetamine and cannabis.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has raised concerns about home fire safety, the need for working smoke alarms, and the dangers of substance abuse in households with children. It also highlights the challenges faced by authorities in addressing repeated domestic issues and potential child endangerment in certain families.

The details

On December 20, 2025, a fire broke out at the Hales family's mobile home in Murrieta, engulfing the residence and several surrounding structures. Firefighters discovered the bodies of 12-year-old Emma Hales and 11-year-old Abby Hales inside, while the parents, Stacey Hales and Adam Keenan, were able to escape with their 12-year-old daughter Ashley. Investigators believe the fire started when Stacey Hales was cooking tortilla chips with hot oil under a wooden carport and failed to turn off the propane tank, leaving it on overnight.

  • On December 20, 2025, the fire broke out around 4:45 a.m.
  • Just three months earlier, Stacey Hales had started a fire using the same stove inside her home.
  • On March 2, 2026, both Stacey Hales and Adam Keenan were arrested.

The players

Stacey Hales

The 46-year-old mother who was reportedly cooking with an unattended propane stove, leading to the deadly fire that killed her two daughters.

Adam Keenan

The 43-year-old father who escaped the burning home with one of the couple's daughters, but was unable to save the other two girls.

Emma Hales

The 12-year-old daughter who died in the house fire.

Abby Hales

The 11-year-old daughter who died in the house fire.

Ashley Hales

The 12-year-old daughter who was able to escape the burning home with her father.

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What they’re saying

“She could kill somebody one day if she wasn't more careful.”

— Adam Keenan, Partner of Stacey Hales

What’s next

Stacey Hales and Adam Keenan are scheduled to appear in court on March 15 for a bail hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of fire safety, working smoke alarms, and addressing substance abuse issues in households with children. It also raises questions about the role of authorities in intervening in families with a history of domestic issues and potential child endangerment.