Two people have been arrested and charged in connection with the catastrophic fire that ripped through a row home in Strawberry Mansion earlier this month and left three people, including two children, dead.
The fire, which officials ruled was arson, broke out just before 5 a.m. on June 13 at a home on Corlies Street near West Cumberland Street. Crews went to the scene and reported that the house was engulfed in flames. They discovered five persons inside the house as they worked to put out the fire: three children, a 54-year-old lady, and a pregnant mother.
Two children, Assad Thompson, 6, and Alaya Thompson-Newell, 4, perished. Their mother, Ashley Thompson, 32, who was eight months pregnant, also died.
The 54-year-old was hospitalized and is now in stable condition. A 2-year-old was also taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.
The entire house, both inside and out, caught fire.
On Wednesday, officials detained Charles Sumpter, 67, and Fleitte Newell, 44. Both are charged with numerous counts of murder and other felonies. At this time, the motivation is unknown.