Pregnant Mother Ashley Thompson, 31, and Her Two Children Assad (6) and Alaya (4) Tragically Killed in Philadelphia House Fire: Family Members Charles Sumpter (67) and Fleitte Newell (44) Arrested for Alleged Arson and Murder After Years of Tensions and Threats

On June 13, 2025, a devastating fire in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia claimed the lives of a pregnant mother and her two children, sending shockwaves throughout the community. The blaze, which tore through their home around 5 a.m., resulted in the tragic deaths of 31-year-old Ashley Thompson, who was seven months pregnant, and her two children, Assad (6) and Alaya (4). The fire, which initially appeared to be an accident, soon revealed itself to be a horrific act of arson, allegedly set by members of the family itself. The shocking details of the case have left the community in disbelief, as authorities continue their investigation and residents attempt to come to terms with the senseless loss.

The Night of the Fire: A Family’s Last Moments Together

The early morning fire occurred at a residence in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, a part of Philadelphia known for its close-knit community but also plagued by social and economic struggles. At approximately 5 a.m., the house was consumed by flames, which spread rapidly through the structure. Neighbors reported hearing loud popping sounds, followed by the acrid smell of smoke filling the air. Several of them rushed outside, only to witness the house engulfed in flames, with no sign of movement from within.

Ashley Thompson, who was heavily pregnant with her third child, was tragically trapped on the second floor of the home. Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes of the 911 call, but by the time they entered the building, it was too late to save Ashley, who was found lifeless on the second floor.

Her two young children, Assad and Alaya, were also found inside the home. Firefighters managed to pull them from the wreckage, and both children were rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite their best efforts, both Assad and Alaya succumbed to their injuries after being admitted to the hospital, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked community.

The fire’s destruction was swift and unrelenting, leaving no room for escape for the victims. It soon became clear that the situation was far more sinister than a typical house fire. Investigators would soon discover that this tragedy was not an accident but a deliberate act of violence.

The Investigation: From Tragedy to Crime Scene

Following the fire, authorities launched an immediate investigation into its cause. While initial reports suggested the possibility of an electrical fault or some other common cause of fire, further investigation raised suspicions that the blaze was intentionally set. With the circumstances surrounding the fire becoming increasingly suspicious, police began to focus their attention on the people closest to the family.

On June 25, less than two weeks after the fire, police made a breakthrough in the case. They arrested two individuals in connection with the fire: Charles Sumpter (67), the father of Ashley Thompson, and Fleitte Newell (44), her own sister. Both were charged with multiple counts of murder and arson after investigators uncovered a series of troubling details regarding their relationship with the victims and the events leading up to the fire.

Charles Sumpter and Fleitte Newell were known to have had a long and strained relationship with Ashley Thompson. For over a year, Ashley and her sister had been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the family home, which had been a point of contention for the two women. Sherry Jackson, another relative of the victims, revealed that Ashley had even reported threats made by her sister in the past. According to Sherry, Fleitte Newell had threatened to burn down the house with Ashley inside, a chilling statement that would later take on a more sinister meaning as the investigation unfolded.

As the details of the investigation came to light, it became clear that the fire was no random tragedy. Authorities discovered that the fire had been deliberately set, with accelerants used to ensure its rapid spread. The suspicion of arson quickly turned into a grim reality as the police focused on the two arrested individuals, who now faced charges of setting the blaze that killed three innocent lives.

The Motive: A Family Divided

The relationship between Ashley Thompson and her family members had been fraught with tension for years. While much of this tension had been centered around the family home, it was also clear that personal conflicts between the individuals involved had escalated to a dangerous level. Sherry Jackson, the surviving relative who had narrowly escaped the fire with another child, recounted the animosity between her sister, Fleitte Newell, and Ashley.

“She was always threatening Ashley,” Sherry said in a statement to the police. “She had been saying things like, ‘I’m going to burn the house down with you in it,’ and no one took her seriously. But we should have. I wish we had.”

Sherry’s heartbreaking account revealed that the family had been living under a cloud of constant tension, with threats and intimidation becoming a part of everyday life. Ashley and her sister had been in a bitter fight over the house for over a year, and it seemed that Fleitte Newell had become increasingly unstable in her behavior. Despite these threats, no one could have predicted that she would follow through on her violent words, leading to the tragic events of June 13.

It’s still unclear whether Fleitte Newell had any accomplices in the fire, though police have suggested that Charles Sumpter may have played a role in orchestrating or facilitating the arson. The exact details of his involvement remain unclear, but the investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the final moments leading up to the fire.

The Survivor: Sherry Jackson’s Heartbreaking Account

Among the tragedy, one survivor remains: Sherry Jackson, who managed to escape the fire with another child. In an emotional interview with police, Sherry revealed how she had been in a bitter fight with her sister over the house, leading up to the night of the fire.

“I never thought it would come to this,” Sherry said, tears streaming down her face. “She always said she would do it, but I never believed her. I thought she was just angry. I had no idea she was capable of something like this.”

Sherry’s account also revealed the depth of the animosity between the two sisters, which seemed to have escalated into a dangerous obsession with the house. According to Sherry, Fleitte Newell had made numerous threats, some of which were reported to the authorities, but nothing was ever done.

“She said she’d burn the house down. She said it many times. She even made threats to other people,” Sherry recalled. “But I never thought she would actually do it. I thought she was just mad. I didn’t think it would come to this.”

Sherry’s escape from the fire was a stroke of luck. As the flames tore through the house, she managed to get out with one of her children, narrowly avoiding the same fate as Ashley and the other two children. Yet, even as a survivor, she is left with the trauma of losing her family in the most violent and horrific way possible.

The Aftermath: Grieving and Seeking Justice

In the days following the fire, the community rallied around the surviving family members, offering condolences and support. The loss of Ashley Thompson, a beloved mother and sister, has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her. For the survivors, the pain of losing three loved ones in such a tragic manner is unimaginable.

The arrest of Charles Sumpter and Fleitte Newell has shocked the local community, with many expressing disbelief that a family feud could escalate into such violence. As the case continues to develop, the focus has shifted toward seeking justice for Ashley, Assad, and Alaya.

The local authorities have vowed to ensure that those responsible for this devastating act of arson are held accountable. While the investigation continues, the family members left behind are left to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of the loss they’ve suffered. For them, and for the larger community, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unresolved conflict and the deadly consequences it can bring.

As the trial of Charles Sumpter and Fleitte Newell progresses, the family’s quest for justice will continue. The community remains hopeful that the truth will come to light, and that those responsible for the deaths of Ashley, Assad, and Alaya will be brought to justice.

For now, the surviving family members, including Sherry Jackson, are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones and begin the long process of healing from the trauma of that fateful night.