Philadelphia, PA — A heart-shattering tragedy that gripped the city of Philadelphia has taken an even darker turn, as authorities announced murder charges against two individuals in connection with a house fire that claimed the lives of a pregnant mother and her two young children earlier this month.
Philadelphia Police have charged Charles Sumpter, 67, and Fleitte Newell, 44, with multiple counts of murder, arson, and related offenses in the horrific June 13 blaze that killed 31-year-old Ashley Thompson, her 6-year-old son Assad Thompson, and 4-year-old daughter Alaya Thompson-Newell. Ashley was also seven months pregnant, adding another painful layer to an already unbearable loss.
The fire broke out in the early morning hours at the family’s rowhouse on the 2500 block of N. Corlies Street, in the city’s Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed. Ashley was discovered deceased on the second floor. Her two children were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Authorities say a total of five people were in the home at the time. Among the survivors was 54-year-old Sherry Jackson, the sister of suspect Fleitte Newell. Jackson had long warned of threats from her sister, claiming that Newell had vowed to burn the house down during a heated dispute over the property. Despite reporting the threat, no protective action was taken.
A third child managed to escape the fire.
Sumpter and Newell were initially questioned but not arrested at the time. Following a deeper investigation, arrest warrants were issued, and both suspects were taken into custody on June 25.
“This is a devastating case,” said PPD Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. “The loss of not just a young mother and her children, but also an unborn life, is beyond comprehension. These charges reflect the gravity of what happened here.”
Loved ones describe Ashley as a devoted mother with an infectious spirit and boundless love for her children. “Her kids were her whole world,” a family member said. “She was looking forward to welcoming her new baby. It’s just unimaginable.”
The Philadelphia community has responded with shock and mourning. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the grieving family, with many calling for systemic change in how threats of violence are handled by authorities.
As the investigation continues, the city is left to reckon with the unbearable reality of lives lost to senseless violence. A mother, her two beautiful children, and an unborn baby—taken too soon.
May Ashley, Assad, Alaya, and the little life that never had a chance be remembered not for how they died, but for the love they gave—and the lives they touched.