Two people have been arrested in connection with a tragic arson fire in Philadelphia that killed Ashley Thompson, a 31-year-old pregnant mother, and her two young children, 6-year-old Assad Thompson and 4-year-old Alaya Thompson-Newell. The fire, which occurred on June 13, also critically injured a third child and a 54-year-old woman who managed to escape the blaze.
The Incident: Arson Fire in Strawberry Mansion
On June 13, firefighters responded to a devastating fire in the 2500 block of N. Corlies Street, located in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia. When they arrived just before 5 a.m., the rowhouse was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters discovered five individuals inside the home, including the three victims who tragically died from smoke inhalation and burns.
Ashley Thompson, the mother, was found deceased on the second floor of the home.
Assad Thompson and Alaya Thompson-Newell, her young children, later died in the hospital.
A 54-year-old woman and a third child managed to escape the fire. This survivor, Sherry Jackson, has been identified as the sister of Fleitte Newell, one of the suspects in the arson.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Fire
On June 25, Charles Sumpter, 67, and Fleitte Newell, 44, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and related offenses. The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) said they were both involved in setting the deadly fire, but details about their involvement and motive are still under investigation.
Fleitte Newell is the sister of the 54-year-old survivor, Sherry Jackson.
According to Jackson, she had been arguing with Newell over the house for a year. She also claimed that Newell had previously threatened to “burn the house with her in it.” Jackson reported these threats but said no action was taken by authorities at the time.
Sumpter and Newell were interviewed on the day of the fire, but they were not arrested until a warrant was issued on June 25.
A Tragic Loss
The fire claimed the lives of Ashley Thompson, who was seven months pregnant, and her two children. Thompson has been described as a “loving mother, daughter, and friend” by family members, who created a GoFundMe page in her honor.
The victims’ deaths have sparked outrage and grief across the city. Local residents, including the survivor, have expressed shock and anger over the senseless violence.
Investigations and Community Reactions
The investigation into the arson fire remains active, and authorities are working to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the fire. The Philadelphia Police Department is continuing to investigate whether there are any other individuals involved in the crime.
A Family’s Tragedy and a City’s Response
The loss of Ashley Thompson and her children has left the community heartbroken. The arrest of Charles Sumpter and Fleitte Newell has raised further questions about the motive behind the attack and whether more people are involved. As investigations continue, many are hoping for justice for the victims of this senseless and devastating crime.
