The Metropolitan Police Department has made an arrest in a case of a fatal arson that claimed the lives of three residents in Southeast Washington. According to a recent announcement by Metropolitan Police Department, the fire broke out early Sunday morning in the 3400 block of 23rd Street, where first responders rushed to the scene.
Despite efforts to quell the flames and rescue those inside, two individuals were found deceased, and another, a woman, was critically injured and later died in a local hospital; they have been identified by authorities as 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon, 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon, and 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, all of whom resided at the address, and the police investigation uncovered evidence that an accelerant was used both inside and outside of the home, concluding that the blaze was deliberately set, leading to an intensive search in the neighborhood.
Based on the collaborative investigation of MPD detectives and DC Fire and EMS’ Fire Investigation Unit, along with the ATF/DC Arson and Explosives Task Force, 56-year-old Robert Simpson of Southeast has been charged with three counts of Felony Murder among other related charges. The police statement additionally revealed that Simpson was previously involved in a domestic relationship with Jessica Cunningham, one of the victims.
While the specific motives behind this incident are still being pieced together by law enforcement, the charges against Simpson are a reminder of the often hidden and personal nature of arson crimes, the investigation is ongoing and further details will be provided as the case develops.
