Two individuals have been arrested and charged with murder following a tragic arson fire in Philadelphia that claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and her two young children.
The fire, which occurred on June 13, 2024, in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, resulted in the deaths of 31-year-old Ashley Thompson and her two children, Assad Thompson, 6, and Alaya Thompson-Newell, 4.
The Deadly Fire and Rescue Efforts
Firefighters responded to the blaze in the early hours of June 13, around 5 a.m., at a rowhouse located on the 2500 block of N. Corlies Street. When firefighters arrived, they found the property fully engulfed in flames.
As the fire was being extinguished, they discovered five individuals inside the residence, including the deceased mother and children.
Ashley Thompson, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her death, was found lifeless on the second floor of the house. Her two children, Assad and Alaya, later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
A 54-year-old woman and a third child managed to escape the fire. Police identified the survivor as Sherry Jackson, the sister of one of the suspects, Fleitte Newell.
Arrests and Charges
On June 25, 2024, Charles Sumpter, 67, and Fleitte Newell, 44, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder and related offenses. The arrests came after an investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) into the arson and the tragic deaths.
The police stated that Newell and Sumpter were interviewed on the day of the fire but were not taken into custody until warrants were served on June 25.
Alleged Motive and Previous Threats
The charges against Newell and Sumpter stem from an ongoing dispute involving the house. According to Sherry Jackson, the 54-year-old survivor, she and Newell had been arguing over the property for about a year before the fire.
Jackson claims that Newell had previously threatened to “burn the house with her in it,” a threat she said was reported but not acted upon by authorities.
Jackson’s statement sheds light on the possible motive behind the arson. The fire appears to have been a targeted attack, with the intention of harming Jackson and her family. The investigation into the fire continues, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
Remembering Ashley Thompson and Her Children
Ashley Thompson is remembered as a loving mother, daughter, and friend, with her children described as “her joy, her purpose, and the light of so many lives around them.”
A GoFundMe page set up in Thompson’s memory highlights the deep loss felt by her family and community. Thompson was seven months pregnant at the time of her death, adding to the heartbreak of the tragedy.
Community Reaction and Support
The loss of Ashley and her two children has left the local community reeling. The outpouring of support from friends and family members has been evident, with many expressing their grief and shock over the senseless violence.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and the arrests of Sumpter and Newell.
The deaths of Ashley Thompson and her two young children in the arson fire have shocked the community and led to the arrest of two suspects. As the investigation continues, the family and friends of the victims are left to mourn their loss and seek justice for this tragic and senseless crime.
