PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 38-year-old woman has been charged with murder, accused of setting a fire that killed one man and displaced a dozen people Monday afternoon in North Philadelphia.
Natasha Teague faces murder and arson charges, as well as 12 counts of risking and causing catastrophe, and 12 counts of reckless endangerment.
The fire broke out around 1 p.m. at a home on Percy Street, right off Rising Sun Avenue, near Erie Avenue. It ultimately killed a 69-year-old man and damaged six homes.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said it all started over an argument.
“[Teague] was living there and also one of the witnesses was living there, and she was occupying the house,” he said. “I think this argument involved her leaving, and she didn’t want to leave the residence.”
Police said Teague started the fire, and the home quickly went up in flames, trapping people in neighboring homes. Firefighters were able to extinguish it and pull everyone to safety — except for Barry Turner, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The fire definitely spread, which is always dangerous when we are talking about row homes,” said Vanore.
Investigators said Teague had tried to start another fire earlier that morning.
Teague has a lengthy criminal record in other states, including drugs, burglary, retail theft, criminal trespass, forgery, hindering apprehension, and a gun charge.
