21-year-old charged with arson after pregnant woman found dead inside Milwaukee home
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We're learning new details into the investigation of a fire and pregnant woman's death on Milwaukee's north side.
Cameron Washington, 21, faces the following charges:
- Arson of a building without owner's consent
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety (five counts)
- Intentionally point a firearm at a person (two counts)
According to a criminal complaint, officers were called to a house fire around 11:30 p.m. near 26th and Hadley on Jan. 5.
An officer found 22-year-old Gladys Johnson in a bedroom that was on fire; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
26th and Hadley
The officer said Johnson had several physical injuries including bruising and swelling all over her body.
Officers interviewed Johnson's mother, who reportedly said the last time she saw her daughter alive was at 11 a.m. that day. She visited again that night and said that Washington told her Johnson was asleep in a room and would not let her see her.
She called the police and then smelled smoke. She then tried to extinguish the fire and help her daughter.
Johnson was five months pregnant when she was killed. Family held a vigil for her four days after her death.
Vigil held for Gladys Johnson
"He took two beautiful lives out of my life," said the victim's mother, Michelle Johnson. "I don't know where your mama at, but she needs to talk to you and get you some prayer."
"There's so much chaos and confusion and it's hard because they were in the house with her the whole time and never knew she was in there dead," said Josie Johnson-Smith, victim's aunt.
Officers say Washington fled the scene as police were arriving. They later found him on a bus and arrested him; officials located a lighter in his pocket.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Johnson's death a homicide.
Washington has not been charged in Johnson's death.
In court on Sunday, Jan. 11, a judge set Washington's bond at $100,000. His preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 20.
Cameron Washington
Gladys' family says she was "quiet and kind," recently graduating from school. A GoFundMe was started to aid in their funeral expenses. You can find that here.