CHESTERFIELD, VA – An alleged act of arson has left a Chesterfield neighborhood reeling after two sisters died in a fire reportedly set by a family member early Saturday morning.
Authorities say Alicia Newman, 25, is facing arson charges after a blaze destroyed the home of her grandmother, 75-year-old Evelyn Newman. Evelyn and her sister, 78-year-old Hazel Johnson, had resided in the house on Glass Road for over three decades before their lives were cut short by the fire.
Chesterfield fire crews responded to the scene just after 4 a.m., finding the single-family home engulfed in flames. Firefighters discovered the two women inside and rushed them to a nearby hospital, where both later succumbed to their injuries.
Investigators quickly determined that the fire did not start by accident. Officials allege that Alicia Newman intentionally set the blaze following a conflict with her grandmother. Relatives said Newman, who had been living at the residence with her children, was asked to leave just days before the fire broke out.
Family members described mounting tensions in the household that preceded the incident. According to relatives, a dispute between Evelyn Newman and her granddaughter led to Alicia being told she could not stay at the house any longer. With no permanent address, Alicia Newman left the property, but tragedy would soon follow.
The Chesterfield County Police Department announced Alicia Newman’s arrest later the same day. She remains in custody without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court Monday for arraignment on the arson charge.
Officials have not yet charged Newman in connection with the deaths of Evelyn Newman and Hazel Johnson, though law enforcement indicated that the investigation remains active. Authorities said the case could bring additional charges pending findings from ongoing forensic and investigative work.
Neighbors described Evelyn and Hazel as pillars of the community, noting that they had lived together for more than 30 years and frequently lent a helping hand to others on the block. Their home, now blackened by fire, became the site of a small memorial over the weekend as friends and family gathered to mourn.
Chesterfield Fire and Rescue officials said they are working closely with police to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fire. The tragedy has shaken the community, with many expressing shock and grief over the loss.
Alicia Newman’s legal representation has not been identified, and she has not yet entered a plea on the arson charge. The investigation into the causes and consequences of the fire continues.