Crime & Safety
Aurora Woman Tried To Keep Firefighters Out Of House On Fire: Reports
Aurora police determined Joanne J. Burgess, 73, intentionally set fire to her home on Oct. 1 in an attempt to kill the man inside.
AURORA, IL — After an Aurora woman accused of attempted murder intentionally set fire to her home on Oct. 1, she tried to keep firefighters out of the house, according to reports from the Daily Herald.
When a man called 911 from inside the Taylor Avenue house to report the fire, started by a cigarette lighter, a 73-year-old woman told firefighters they couldn't enter, the Daily Herald reported. Fire crews found the hallways "overfilled" with items and had trouble fully opening doors as a result, the report said.
Police and firefighters responded to the structure fire in the 800 block of Taylor Avenue just after 7 p.m. when detectives determined Joanne J. Burgess intentionally set fire to her house in an attempt to kill the man inside, Patch reported.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Aurorafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The woman was charged with one count of attempted murder and one of aggravated arson, both felonies. Burgess is currently being held at the Kane County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Friday morning.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
