A Frankford man was arrested on murder and arson charges last week after he allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death and set her East Mount Airy house on fire.
Philadelphia police captured Donald Newsome, 32, of the 1600 block of Brill St., on July 26, one day after the killing and fire involving Rosalyn Daniels, 27, of the 1200 block of E. Cliveden St.
Newsome is jailed without bail pending an Aug. 10 preliminary hearing.
Firefighters were called to Daniels’ home at about 12:30 a.m. on July 25 to fight a blaze there. After dousing the flames, they found Daniels’ body with cuts of the neck, face and back, as well as burns of the arms and legs. The single mother of two was pronounced dead at the scene.
A relative told news reporters at the scene that Daniels had planned to break up with Newsome, according to published reports. Daniels lived in the house with her son, 6; daughter, 2; and grandmother. No other injuries were reported.
Initially, fire investigators blamed the blaze on an open flame put to clothing or other debris.
Daniels’ 2002 Chevrolet Impala was missing in the aftermath of the fire. Authorities have not disclosed what evidence links Newsome to the crime. He is also charged with causing a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and possessing an instrument of crime. ••
