Fletcher Pinkham: California man shot dead mom and burned down house with her body inside to hide evidence

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

LITTLE RIVER, CALIFORNIA: A 39-year-old California man has been arrested and charged over shooting dead his 75-year-old mother after they were both involved in an argument. 

Soon after, Fletcher Pinkham set fire to his mother Linda Mercurio's house with her body inside to conceal his crime.

This tragic event took place on Tuesday, February 20, in the small coastal community of Little River, approximately 150 miles north of San Francisco.

What did police report amid Linda Mercurio's death?

According to the Daily Beast, Linda Mercurio, the mother of accused Fletcher Pinkham, was found dead in her burned-down house. The fire was so intense that firefighters couldn't enter the house before it collapsed. 

After the fire, Mercurio was reported missing because it was too dangerous to search for her body in the hot debris. 

The sheriff's office became suspicious when Pinkham appeared near the house in a strange condition while firefighters were trying to save the house from burning completely.

Police mentioned that Pinkham seemed to be in need of medical help but didn't say what injuries he had. They said he refused to get medical help at the scene.

During a search in the woods, the police found guns, bullets, clothes, and a car that belonged to Pinkham. They arrested him on Tuesday.

Police find it hard to search remains of Linda Mercuiro

The sheriff's office said they didn't share information about the alleged murder right away because the fire was severe. They needed forensic experts from Chico State University to identify Mercurio's body.

The house collapsed in the fire, making it hard to put out the flames and search safely. It took many hours of searching through the rubble before investigators found burned remains they think are Mercurio's.

Lab tests are needed to confirm her identity, but police believe she's the victim.

Police didn't say how Pinkham started the fire but said it was done on purpose to hide evidence of the crime against Mercurio. They didn't reveal what the argument was about before the fire started, but they said it turned violent, leading to Mercurio's death. 

Also, it is reported that evidence and statements from Pinkham led investigators to believe he shot his mom.

What are the charges placed on Fletcher Pinkham?

According to records, Pinkham is charged with murder and using a firearm during a serious felony resulting in death. 

He is currently in custody with a bail set at $1,000,000 and is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Monday. Pinkham has experience in the commercial security systems field, serving as a technician and lead system designer. 

Additionally, he is the president and owner of Blockchain Tech Consultants, a company specializing in consulting services within the blockchain and cryptocurrency domains, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.