Homeowner's Daughter Faces Murder Charges in Arson That Killed 2 Wilmington Firefighters

A fire that killed two Wilmington firefighters and others burned has been ruled an arson and a woman who lived in the home has been arrested on murder charges, said the Wilmington Fire Department.

Beatriz Fana-Ruiz, the 27-year-old daughter of the homeowner at 1927 Lakeview Road, was arrested without incident Thursday morning, said the fire marshal.

Fana-Ruiz was temporarily living in the home when it caught fire early Saturday, said the fire marshal. The blaze left Wilmington Fire Lt. Christopher Leach, 41, and Wilmington Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes, 51 dead.

Fana-Ruiz faces two counts of 1st-degree murder for the firefighters' deaths. She also faces four counts of assault for injuries sustained by Lt. John Cawthray, Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope, Senior Firefighter Terence Tate and Firefighter Brad Speakman.

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