HOLDEN, MASS. (WHDH) - A suspect is facing multiple charges, including a count of attempted murder, after crews contained “an intentionally set fire” that ripped through a home in Holden, according to officials.
As neighbors dropped off donations for the displaced homeowner on Wednesday, prosecutors in the case said the man accused of setting the fire did so during an argument with his aunt.
“It was a pretty horrific scene,” said neighbor Greg Devin.
The Holden Fire Department said its crews were called to the area of Juniper Lane around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday where heavy flames could be seen engulfing parts of a home’s basement and first floor.
According to the department, two alarms were struck as multiple fire departments sent personnel to help put out the blaze at the single-family house.
In a joint-statement from both Fire Chief Russell Hall and Holden Police Chief Timothy Sherblom, officials said an investigation of the fire led to state and local police determining it had started in the home’s garage and was intentionally set. An adult male was taken into custody as a result.
According to the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, Evan Kelley, 32, of Holden was arraigned in Leominster District Court on charges that included:
- Arson of a dwelling
- Attempted murder
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older
- Assault and battery on a person 60 or over
- Threatening to commit a crime
- Malicious damage to a motor vehicle
Court documents said the house belonged to Kelley’s aunt who said her nephew hit her in the head with plates and threatened to kill her before pouring gasoline in her garage and setting the home on fire.
Documents said Kelley got into his car with his 16-year-old daughter and drove to his mother’s house, where he was arrested.
His mother, according to documents, told police her son admitted to knocking over a gasoline can in his aunt’s garage and throwing a lit cigarette on it after getting into an argument.
Devin said his wife ran to the home when she saw the flames. A day later, the homeowner is now temporarily staying with Devin and his wife as she tries to process the tragedy.
“She’s in the grieving stage,” Devin said. “She’s lost everything. She’s lost her two cats.”
“It’s just a tragedy,” said neighbor Julia Farber. “My heart goes out to her.”
The Holden Fire Department said it took around two hours to put out the fire, which appeared to heavily damage a large portion of the front of the home, based on photos shared by the department.
Two civilians were evaluated and treated while no firefighters were injured during the response, according to authorities.
A spokesperson for the Worcester County District Attorney’s office said Kelley was ordered held without bail after his arraignment, pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Monday, June 12.
A GoFundMe campaign to support the victims has since been launched.
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