PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two more men have been indicted in connection with the pizza shop arson last June, where a Philadelphia firefighter was killed and five others were injured.
Federal prosecutors say Isaam Jaghama, 29, and his friend Al-Ashraf Khalil, 29, both of Philadelphia, conspired to burn down Star Pizza, Fish and Chicken, a fast food takeaway at Third Street and Indiana Avenue in Fairhill, for a nearly half-million-dollar insurance payout.
Khalil, who owned the business, was already indicted. U.S. Marshals arrested Khalil in New York City at JFK Airport on federal arson charges — after investigators say he booked a one-way ticket to Jordan.
The fire in the first-floor business caused the entire building above it to collapse. Firefighter Lt. Sean Williamson, 51, was killed. Five other firefighters were injured.
The indictment alleges the two conspired in the days before the tragedy — discussing where and how they should stage the beginning of the fire — along with a third man who has also been charged. Authorities add Khalil “physically damaged” equipment connected to their surveillance cameras, so they could remain undetected as they sparked the blaze.
That third man remains unidentified; his indictment and alleged participation remains under seal.
The two known defendants face conspiracy and arson charges. Khalil could serve up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted. Jaghama could serve 10.
Attorneys for both of the known defendants have not responded to KYW Newsradio’s requests for comment.
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