First picture of man accused of killing couple in arson attack
Owens made his first appearance in Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday morning, charged with two counts of murder and two counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Appearing in the docks wearing a grey sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his date of birth and lack of a fixed address.
No indication of plea was given. The case was immediately sent to the Crown Court, where Owens is due to appear on Tuesday, July 29.
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Owens was denied bail due to the seriousness of the charges. Brian Jackson, defending, said: "There is no opportunity for bail and the matter needs to go to the Crown Court."
Bench chairman Mark Appleton said: "We have heard this court cannot deal with (the case) and it will now need to be brought to Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday morning. Until then you are remanded in custody."
Paying tribute to Ms Greener and Mc Jackson in the wake of the incident, the family said in a statement: "Sheila and Eric, also known as our Queen and King, were a deeply loved mum, nan, great nan, sister, auntie, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and couple.
'They were known for being the life and soul of the party, always loving a song on the karaoke and enjoying a great caravan holiday. They will forever be devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends and the community.'
In the days following the fatal fire, Merseyside Police said accelerant had been used. Neighbours told the ECHO how the front door was enveloped in flames, slowing down firefighters' attempts to rescue the couple.
Speaking to the ECHO from Merseyside Police's HQ, detective superintendent Rachel Wilson said the grandparents had been together for 30 years and had been living at the address in St Helens for 15 years.
Detective chief inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Firstly, I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson as this tragic time and we have specialist officers in place to support them.
'This is a truly shocking incident and I'm sure that the community and everyone in Merseyside will be utterly appalled at what has happened.
'It's difficult to comprehend how someone could deliberately start a fire while two elderly people are inside the home. It's absolutely sickening, and we are determined to find the person or people responsible.
'An investigation is ongoing as we look to establish exactly why this has happened and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
'If you live in this community and saw or heard something suspicious at any point during this evening, please let us know as a matter of urgency.
'Also, if you have CCTV or a smart doorbell, take the time to review any footage you have to see if you captured anything that could prove to be significant. Even if it appears to be a small detail, it could end up being vital to our inquiries.
'I would also ask that any drivers who have dashcam footage and were in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am to contact us if you have captured anything significant.'
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