Tragic End for 86-Year-Old Arizona Woman: Caregiver Accused of Starting Fatal Arson Fire



In a tragic incident in Phoenix, an 86-year-old woman named Elizabeth Bell lost her life in a house fire, leading to the arrest of her caregiver. Reports suggest that the caregiver, Wayne Tweed, allegedly set fire to the house with Bell inside. 

Authorities, responding to the fire on Thursday, discovered Bell's lifeless body, as detailed by ABC 15. Another individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, according to 12 News.

Phoenix police, in a post on X, named Tweed, 59, as the suspect, claiming he intentionally started the fire and then fled the scene, as reported by AZ Family. Tweed was apprehended by the police on Friday.


Tweed now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, arson, and kidnapping, according to Maricopa County Jail records. He is currently in custody with a $2 million bond. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Tweed has entered a plea or secured legal representation, but a court date is scheduled for Thursday.

According to court documents cited by AZ Family, Tweed had been in the role of Bell's caregiver for a year, residing in a trailer on her property. Notably, Tweed has a lengthy criminal history, having previously pleaded no contest to manslaughter and driving under the influence in 1988.

 

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