The Philadelphia district attorney’s office has charged a woman with murder and other crimes for her alleged involvement in a fire in February in the city’s Kingsessing neighborhood.
Chardae Sapp, 34, was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, arson, causing or risking a catastrophe, and two misdemeanors, the office of District Attorney Larry Krasner said Friday morning.
The charges date back to a fire at a house on the 5400 block of Regent Street on Feb. 4 around 1:40 a.m., the DA’s office said. Four people were taken to the hospital for treatment. Twenty-six-year-old Raymond Bell, found unresponsive in a bedroom, died as a result of the blaze.
Fire marshals determined that the fire was deliberately set and began in a second floor bedroom “when an open flame was applied to available combustibles consisting of bedding and mattress materials,” the DA’s office said.
“This is a terrible tragedy that should have never happened and could have been even deadlier if the fire had spread faster,” said Krasner in the news release, thanking first responders for their roles in the investigation. “Our office looks forward to pursuing a fair and just outcome in this case and continuing to support the co-survivors.”
This is a developing story. Check back for details.