Tragic House Fire in Philadelphia Claims Lives of Pregnant Mother and Two Children; Relatives Arrested in Connection

Philadelphia, June 13 — A devastating fire tore through a home in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood early in the morning, claiming the lives of Ashley Thompson, a 31-year-old woman who was seven months pregnant, along with her two young children, Assad (6) and Alaya (4). The blaze broke out around 5 a.m., engulfing the residence and leaving the community shaken by the heartbreaking loss.

Arrests Made in Connection to Fire

On June 25, Philadelphia police arrested two family members, Charles Sumpter (67) and Fleitte Newell (44), charging them with multiple counts of murder in connection with the fire that destroyed the home and took innocent lives. The suspects are believed to have started the fire intentionally.

Family Feud and Dire Warnings

The tragedy is further compounded by the revelation from Sherry Jackson, a survivor of the fire and another family member who escaped the inferno along with one child. Jackson disclosed a long-standing bitter dispute over the ownership and control of the house with her sister, Fleitte Newell. The dispute had lasted for more than a year and escalated to the point where Jackson reported receiving threats, including an alarming one in which Newell allegedly threatened to burn down the house with everyone inside.

This chilling threat has now become a devastating reality for Ashley Thompson and her children, leaving a community grappling with grief and disbelief.

Details of the Fire and Aftermath

Ashley was found deceased on the second floor of the burning home. Although her two children were rescued alive, they tragically succumbed to their injuries after being transported to the hospital. The survivor, Sherry Jackson, along with another child, remains physically unharmed but emotionally scarred by the traumatic event.

Community Mourning and Call for Justice

The loss of Ashley and her children has sent shockwaves through the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood and beyond. Friends, neighbors, and community members have expressed profound sorrow and are rallying together to support the surviving family members during this heartbreaking time.

Authorities continue their investigation into the fire, emphasizing the gravity of arson charges and the devastating impact of domestic violence and family disputes that spiral out of control.

Philadelphia Police urge anyone with additional information related to the incident or the suspects to come forward to aid in the pursuit of justice.