By Erika Hernandez
Pennsylvania man charged with setting deadly fire at residential building after a woman rejected his declarations of love, Lewistown Borough authorities reported.
Robert Zimmerman, 40, was arrested after the fire that occurred shortly before midnight Wednesday in a home located in the 200 block of Bratton Avenue. The incident left one person dead and several residents injured while trying to escape the flames.
The deceased was identified as Brandy Phillippe, 44, who lived in the attic of the property. According to the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office, the woman attempted to flee the fire, but was unable to exit the building.
Neighbors jumped from windows to escape the fire
Lewistown Police described dramatic scenes upon arriving at the scene. The agents They found a man with serious facial injuries after jumping from the second floor to escape the flames. He was later airlifted to a specialized burn center due to internal injuries to his throat.
Officers also attempted to rescue a woman who was hanging from a second-story window as the fire and smoke spread rapidly.
“The woman refused to jump despite the fact that flames were coming out of several windows and smoke impeded visibility,” police said in a statement.
Authorities believe the victim lost consciousness due to smoke inhalation and subsequently fell onto a concrete sidewalk, suffering serious injuries.
The suspect would have confessed to the fire
Witnesses told police that Zimmerman was at the home shortly before the fire and expressed romantic feelings toward Phillippe. According to the researchers, The man reacted angrily after being rejected and began setting fire to different objects on the first floor of the residence.
Police also said several witnesses heard Zimmerman admit to starting the fire and saw him watching the home burn from a nearby alley. Surveillance images would support these testimonies.
When he was arrested, officers noted that Zimmerman smelled like smoke and ash. According to the police report, the suspect claimed to have consumed fentanyl and had symptoms of an overdose, for which he was first transferred to a sanatorium.
He was questioned and, according to the authorities, made several incriminating statements. Police stated that Zimmerman said he did not remember the fire, although he did remember moments before and after the incident.
Zimmerman remains in custody at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility. while authorities continue to investigate the case as a homicide.
Lewistown Police said formal charges were expected to be filed this Friday.
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