AUSTIN (KXAN) — The man accused of setting fire to a Wimberley bar and restaurant will now face a murder charge.
Aiden Lane Dwyer, 24, has been charged with murder after 23-year-old Zachary Salley died Sunday from injuries investigators believe were caused by the fire, Hays County said.
Dwyer, a restaurant employee, was originally charged with arson in connection with the late June fire at Savage’s Hill Country Bar and Grill. The establishment was set to permanently close just days after the fire.
Hays County Fire Marshal Steve Seddig previously told KXAN two people were injured in the fire — Dwyer and another bar employee who was hospitalized.
According to court documents, investigators found “ignitable fluids” throughout the building and that the fire alarms and security cameras were turned off before the fire.
According to the arrest affidavit, investigators spoke with Dwyer’s roommate, who said Dwyer previously talked about burning the restaurant and bar down.
Dwyer was arrested in Jasper County, which is in southeast Texas, on June 30, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said. He remains in custody at the Hays County jail.