2 brothers charged in murder and arson

HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Two brothers are facing charges, after a body was found inside a Hopkinton home that was set on fire.

Rhode Island state police responded to the Woody Hill Road home around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, investigating possible violence. Once on scene, crews noticed flames and called the fire department.

Police later located a body of 44-year-old Peter Newman inside the home.

Eyewitness News has learned the two men - Jared L. Tefft, 27, and Matthew Tefft, 28 - are being held without bail. The two men were arraigned Wednesday night at State Police Hope Valley Barracks.

Jared Tefft is facing more serious charges. He is charged with murder and first degree arson. Police believe Newman had been staying at Jared Tefft's home for the past few days. According to police, the two men got into some sort of physical altercation that escalated.

A check of the court database revealed Tefft has a lengthy criminal record. Neighbors tell Eyewitness News that Tefft's family owns a local oil company and purchased the home a few years back.

An autopsy is expected to be performed Thursday.