Calloway County: A Fire to Cover Murder

On November 17, 2015, what appeared to be a tragic house fire in rural Calloway County, Kentucky quickly turned into one of the most disturbing murder cases in western Kentucky history.

When firefighters responded to a burning home along KY-121 South near Murray, they discovered the bodies of a young family of four inside. But as investigators dug deeper, it became clear the fire wasn’t the cause of death—it was meant to hide it.

In this episode of Buried in the Bluegrass, we break down the brutal killings, the family connection behind the suspect, and how a calculated attempt to destroy evidence ultimately failed.

🧾 CASE DETAILS

Date: November 17, 2015 Location: KY-121 South, Calloway County, KY

Victims:

• Bulmaro Arellano, 29
• Marisol Hernandez, 24
• 5-year-old son
• 18-month-old daughter

Key Findings:

• Fire was intentionally set to conceal the crime
• Adult victims died from gunshot wounds
• Children died from smoke inhalation
• The 5-year-old also suffered a fatal throat wound

🚔 INVESTIGATION

Kentucky State Police quickly determined the fire was suspicious and began a homicide investigation.

Within days, attention turned to:

Pascasio Pacheco (aka Pacheco Arellano)

• Age 21 at the time
• From Mayfield, Kentucky
• Nephew of victim Bulmaro Arellano

Evidence included:

• Visible injuries consistent with a struggle
• Blood-stained clothing
• Physical evidence recovered from a vehicle

Pacheco was arrested on November 23, 2015.

⚖️ LEGAL OUTCOME

• Charged with:
  • 4 counts of murder
  • First-degree arson
  • First-degree burglary
  • Tampering with physical evidence
• December 2018: Entered guilty plea to avoid the death penalty
• February 2019: Sentenced to life in prison without parole

This case was notable as it was considered one of the first potential death penalty prosecutions in Calloway County in nearly 100 years.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE

• The timeline of the fire and discovery
• How investigators determined it was staged
• The family connection that changed the case
• The disturbing details revealed during autopsy
• The suspect’s mindset and reported assumptions
• How the case was resolved in court

🔗 SOURCES

• WPSD Local 6 – Coverage of the fire and investigation
• WKMS – Reporting on suspect background and statements
• West Kentucky Star – Court proceedings and sentencing
• Kentucky State Police – Official investigation details

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING

This episode contains discussion of:

• Violent homicide
• Crimes involving children
• Graphic investigative details

Listener discretion is advised.

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW

Buried in the Bluegrass is part of Ole Gerg Media, covering real crimes, real cases, and real accountability across Kentucky.