Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode said that police have arrested a resident of the rowhome that collapsed killing Lt. Chris Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, on Saturday.
27-year-old Beatriz Fana-Ruiz has been charged with two counts of first degree murder, first-degree arson, four counts of second-degree assault and seven counts of reckless endangerment, according to the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office. Fana-Ruiz, who lived in the rowhome, is the stepdaughter of Missy Napier, the woman who lived in the home with her children, according to authorities.
Other than Chief Goode confirming that several car fires had been set in the area previously, Investigators have been tight lipped about the investigation. Chief Goode said that he didn’t believe the car fires were connected to the house fire. Investigators did not mention if the car fires are connected.
No motive was released but authorities did say that she started the fire intentionally.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael G. Chionchio said
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal has arrested a 27 year old woman in connection with the September 24, 2016 fatal house fire in Wilmington, Delaware.
The fire occurred shortly before 3:00 am in the 1900 block of Lakeview Road, Canby Park. The Wilmington Fire Department responded to the blaze.
Beatriz Fana-Ruiz was arrested this morning and charged with Arson in the 1st degree and seven counts of Reckless Endangering 1st degree. The Wilmington Police Department also charged Fana-Ruiz with additional charges.
The investigation continues as members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Wilmington Police Department, and Office of the State Fire Marshal staff work on the complex case.
This story is developing. We’ll have more shortly.
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Image Credits: Wilmington Police