Alicia Newman Charged With Setting Fire That Killed Her Grandmother Evelyn Newman and Great Aunt Hazel Johnson in Chesterfield County, Virginia

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA — Authorities say Alicia Newman, 25, has been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to her family’s Chesterfield County home early Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of her grandmother, Evelyn Newman, 75, and her great aunt, Hazel Johnson, 78.

Fire crews responded around 4:20 a.m. to a residence in the 500 block of Rosegill Road, off Reams Road, after receiving reports of a structure fire. When Chesterfield Fire and EMS arrived, they discovered the home engulfed in flames and rescued two women from inside.

Both victims were transported to local hospitals but later died from their injuries, officials confirmed.

A joint investigation by Chesterfield Police and the Chesterfield Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Family members described the victims as elderly women who had difficulty moving.

“They were on crutches and walkers, which means they couldn’t move very fast to get away from it, and it overtook them,” said Willie Robertson, a cousin of the victims, speaking to WTVR.

According to Robertson, Evelyn Newman had recently allowed her granddaughter, Alicia, and her children to stay in the home she had owned for more than 30 years. However, following an argument, Alicia was reportedly asked to move out. It remains unclear where she and her children went afterward.

Alicia Newman was arrested and charged with arson, with additional charges expected following the deaths of her relatives. She is currently being held without bond at Chesterfield County Jail and was scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday.

The cause and full circumstances of the fire remain under investigation by Chesterfield Police and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or submit tips via the P3 app.