Murder, Arson Charges Filed In Deadly Philadelphia Fire

PHILADELPHIA — A man has been charged with murder, arson, and more charged in connection with a fire that killed one person and displaced many others last week in Philadelphia.

According to Philadelphia Police, Shadeek McDowell, 38, was charged with murder, arson, five counts of aggravated assault, five counts of simple assault, and related offenses.

The charges stem from a Friday morning fire on the 1800 block of East Russell Street, police said.

At about 4:32 a.m., officers from the 24th District and members of the Philadelphia Fire Department were called to that block for a report of people trapped at the location.

Upon arrival, officers saw people on the roof of the residence.

Firefighters rescued people from the fire who told them that their mother was still inside the home.

Firefighters found the mother, later identified as 66-year-old Evelyn Payne, unresponsive in the front second-floor bedroom.

She was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:28 a.m.

The fire, which spread to several neighboring homes, caused significant damage and loss.

McDowell was taken into custody at the scene.