Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — A woman is accused of deliberately setting a house fire in Southwest Philadelphia to hurt a relative she believed was spreading gossip about her, but investigators say the blaze instead killed another family member.
Chardae Sapp, 34, is charged with murder in the death of Raymond Bell, 25, according to court records. Sapp is also facing charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and arson following the February fire in the historic Kingsessing neighborhood.
According to investigators and local reports, Sapp allegedly acknowledged to multiple family members that she had intentionally started the fire.
Fire Erupts Inside Southwest Philadelphia Home
The fire was reported at approximately 1:38 a.m. on Feb. 4 in Kingsessing, a historic neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia.
Investigators later determined that the blaze had been intentionally started inside a second-story bedroom, where combustible materials were allegedly ignited.
Family members told investigators that they had seen Sapp inside the house before the fire began. After smoke was noticed, relatives reportedly attempted to reach Bell and rescue him from the burning home.
They were unable to get to him.
Bell ultimately died in the fire, turning what investigators believe was an intentional act against another relative into a fatal incident involving an unintended victim.
Police Say Sapp Wanted to Hurt Someone Else
The investigation took an unusual turn when family members allegedly told authorities about statements Sapp made after the fire.
According to a report from local ABC affiliate WPVI, Sapp allegedly told her father that she intentionally set the fire because she wanted to hurt a different cousin.
That cousin was allegedly someone Sapp believed had been saying negative things about her.
The criminal complaint also reportedly detailed a conversation between Sapp and her sister.
When questioned about the fire, Sapp allegedly told her sister that she “didn’t mean it.”
Investigators say she later made an even more direct statement to police.
Woman Allegedly Admits Setting the Fire
According to the criminal complaint, Sapp told investigators:
“I set the fire.”
She also reportedly acknowledged the deadly outcome, saying:
“[A]n innocent person lost their life,”
The statements are now part of the evidence in the criminal case against her.
Investigators also relied on witness accounts from family members who allegedly placed Sapp inside the residence before the fire began.
The evidence reportedly led investigators to conclude that the blaze was intentionally started by igniting combustible materials in a second-floor bedroom.
Arrest Came Months After Deadly Fire
Sapp was arrested on Sept. 13, more than seven months after the February fire.
The reason for the lengthy gap between the deadly blaze and Sapp’s arrest was not immediately clear from the available court information.
She remains in custody, according to prison records.
Indiana Woman Gets 33 Years After Boyfriend’s 17-Month-Old Son Dies in Shocking Crib Incident
The case now moves forward through the Pennsylvania court system, where prosecutors will have to prove the allegations against Sapp beyond a reasonable doubt.
Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for October
In addition to the murder charge connected to Bell’s death, Sapp faces allegations of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and arson.
She has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 14, when additional details surrounding the investigation and the prosecution’s case could become clearer.
The allegations remain accusations, and Sapp is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case has left a Philadelphia family dealing with the death of Bell while authorities continue examining what led to the fire and why the alleged target was not the person who ultimately died.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your reaction in the comments and stay respectful when discussing the family and those affected by the fire.