A 40-year-old man from Pennsylvania is behind bars after allegedly setting a fatal fire at a house in Lewistown Borough, reportedly because a woman rejected his romantic advances.
Robert Zimmerman has been arrested and is awaiting criminal charges following the fatal arson that occurred earlier this week, according to the Lewistown Police Department.
Details of the Fatal Fire
The deadly incident unfolded late Wednesday night, around 11:55 p.m., at a residence on Bratton Avenue in Lewistown Borough, located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Firefighters responded to the blaze, and it was later revealed that Brandy Phillippe, 44, a woman who had been subletting the house, did not survive the fire.
According to the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office, Phillippe attempted to flee the residence during the fire but was unable to escape, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses Report Intentional Fire
Several witnesses told police that the fire appeared to be intentional, with some warning that people were still trapped inside the burning building.
Two other residents were injured in the blaze. One man suffered severe facial injuries after jumping from a second-floor window, as well as internal burns to his throat.
Another woman fell onto the sidewalk after jumping from the same window.
A neighbor reported seeing large flames coming out of the kitchen window, and several individuals were seen standing outside the building.
The neighbor also shared the heartbreaking details of the fire, including the tragic loss of several cats that lived in the area of the house.
Zimmerman’s Motive and Arrest
Investigators believe Zimmerman set the fire after his romantic advances were rejected by a woman who lived in the house.
Witnesses stated that Zimmerman had professed his love for the woman shortly before the fire broke out. Despondent over the rejection, Zimmerman allegedly began setting fire to items on the first floor of the residence.
Witnesses also reported that Zimmerman admitted to starting the fire and said that he watched the house burn from a nearby alley. Surveillance footage corroborated these statements.
Zimmerman was later arrested at a boarding house on East Third Street. Law enforcement officers reported that Zimmerman smelled of ash and smoke and showed signs of a possible overdose.
He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment before being questioned by police.
Zimmerman’s Emotional Reaction
During questioning, Zimmerman claimed to have no memory of the exact time the fire started but made several statements about the events leading up to and following the fire. Upon learning that someone had died in the fire, Zimmerman reportedly had a strong emotional response.
Potential Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Zimmerman is facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, arson, and reckless endangerment. Police anticipate that formal charges will be filed soon as they continue to investigate the case.
The tragic loss of life and the destruction caused by the fire has shaken the small community of Lewistown, and authorities are working to ensure justice is served.
