Virginia Woman Accused of Setting House Fire That Killed Her Grandmother and Great-Aunt After Being Kicked Out, Police Say

CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA — A 25-year-old Virginia woman has been arrested after allegedly setting her grandmother’s home on fire, killing both her 75-year-old grandmother and 78-year-old great-aunt, according to Chesterfield County Police.

Authorities say the suspect, Alicia Newman, was charged with arson after investigators determined that the early morning house fire in the 8200 block of Holly Hill Drive was intentionally set.

The blaze broke out around 4:20 a.m. Saturday, when Chesterfield Fire and Rescue responded to reports of heavy flames engulfing the longtime family home. Inside, first responders found Evelyn Newman, 75, and her sister Hazel Johnson, 78, both critically injured. They were rushed to a nearby hospital but died from their injuries shortly after arrival.

Police Say Suspect Was Asked to Leave Before Deadly Blaze

Investigators say the tragedy began after a family dispute. Evelyn Newman, who had allowed her granddaughter and her children to live with her, had recently asked Alicia to leave the home following an argument.

According to a family member, the 25-year-old suspect was angry about being kicked out and had no permanent address at the time of the fire.

“Alicia’s the type of woman where something like this, she could easily do and not look back,” cousin Willie Robertson told WTVR.

Authorities said early evidence — including burn patterns and accelerant traces — indicated the fire was deliberately set, leading to Alicia Newman’s arrest later that day.

Family in Shock as Investigation Continues

Police have not yet charged Newman with homicide, but additional charges may be filed pending results of the ongoing investigation by Chesterfield County Fire Investigators.

Neighbors told reporters they were devastated by the loss of the two elderly sisters, who had lived in the neighborhood for over three decades.

Newman remains in custody at the Chesterfield County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment this week.

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