Bond Raised for Man Accused of Setting Fire to Fiance
12-year-old credited with saving baby
By MIKE SPRINGER and DIANA PEREZ
Updated 6:09 PM EDT, Mon, Nov 16, 2009
A New Haven man was arrested Sunday, accused of dousing his fiance with an accelerant and setting her on fire and trying to set his 12-year-old stepdaughter on fire.
New Haven fire and police officials responded to 14 Market St. around 7:45 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call for a fire on the second-floor of a home.
Police said Howard Stewart, 50, intentionally burned the home and also intentionally burned his fiance, Christina Lee, 35, because of an argument that they had the night before about money -- was not working and the bills were piling up -- and allegations the daughter made, according to court documents.
Witnesses said Lee's 12-year-old daughter rescued the 3-month-old daughter of Lee and Stewart by taking her out of a crib and fleeing the house.
Lee was taken to Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit where she was treated for second and third-degree burns. She is listed in critical condition.
Police arrested Stewart after finding him walking in the area of James Street and Grand Avenue.
He was charged with arson in the first-degree, assault in the first-degree, criminal attempt to commit assault, risk of injury and criminal mischief.
He appeared in court on Monday and is being held on $2 million bond.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut
First Published: Nov 15, 2009 5:41 PM EDT
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