NORFOLK, Va. — A deadly house fire has turned into a homicide investigation in Norfolk.
“It was a very bright, big fire,” said Claude Ranger.
The case goes back to Aug. 12, when responders were called to a house fire in the 3500 block of Somme Ave. The fire started just before 1 a.m.
When rescue teams got to the scene, they found a woman dead inside.
Ranger later found out his neighbor, 69-year-old Leslie Vaughan, died in the fire. He said the victim and her husband had lived in the home for years.
“I really feel sad for her because she was a sweet, peaceful lady," Ranger said.
On Monday, investigators began calling the fire a possible arson.
A spokesman with Norfolk Police Department said detectives and officials with the Fire Marshal’s Office found video footage that apparently shows someone intentionally setting the house on fire.
"I can’t imagine what all of this is going to lead to, but for the moment I’m almost speechless with it," said Ranger. "There is a little bit of fear, you know. I think I would be less honest if I didn’t say I was a little worried to know that crime happened that close."
Norfolk Police said they are not sharing the video at this time. They also haven’t arrested anyone in the case.
"It will be interesting if they do release it," Ranger said. "I certainly hope it’s convincing enough to find whoever is responsible that would certainly be justice."
If you know anything about this crime, you are asked to call the crime line at 1.888.LOCK.U.UP. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the P3 tips app.