A Pennsylvania woman is accused of murdering her cousin by intentionally setting a house fire, though investigators say her target was a different relative she believed was spreading rumors about her. Chardae Sapp, 34, faces murder charges in connection with the death of Raymond Bell, 25, who perished in a blaze that tore through a home in the historic Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Kingsessing.
Background
The deadly fire broke out at approximately 1:38 a.m. on Feb. 4, catching the family off guard in the early morning hours. According to reports from local ABC affiliate WPVI, Sapp had allegedly confided in multiple family members that she started the fire. She reportedly told her father that she intentionally set the blaze with the aim of hurting a different cousin, whom she believed was speaking ill of her.
Family members told police that they saw Sapp inside the residence before the smoke began to fill the home. When the fire erupted, relatives attempted to rescue Bell, but the intensity of the flames and the layout of the house prevented them from reaching him in time. Bell was trapped and ultimately lost his life in the inferno.
The Investigation
Investigators determined that the fire was not accidental but was deliberately set by igniting combustible materials located in a second-story bedroom. The criminal complaint detailed Sapp’s conflicting statements to authorities and family. When asked about the fire, she reportedly told her sister that she "didn't mean it," yet later admitted to police, "I set the fire." Sapp also expressed remorse, stating, "An innocent person lost their life."
Despite the incident occurring in February, Sapp was not arrested until Sept. 13. The reason for the monthslong gap between the fire and her apprehension was not immediately clear. She currently remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
The Charges
Sapp is charged with murder in connection with Bell’s death. In addition to the homicide charge, she faces counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and arson. The charges reflect the intentional nature of the fire and the tragic, unintended consequence of killing a family member who was not the original target.
Key Takeaways
- Chardae Sapp, 34, is charged with murder for allegedly setting a house fire that killed her cousin, Raymond Bell, 25.
- The fire occurred at 1:38 a.m. on Feb. 4 in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia.
- Police say Sapp intended to hurt a different cousin she believed was gossiping about her, but Bell died in the blaze.
- Sapp allegedly told family members and police she intentionally set the fire and admitted, "An innocent person lost their life."
- She was arrested on Sept. 13, months after the incident, and is also charged with arson, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.
What's Next
Sapp is currently in custody and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 14. The prosecution will likely focus on establishing the intent behind the arson and the direct link between Sapp’s actions and Bell’s death during the upcoming legal proceedings.