MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. --
Three people are in custody after Montgomery County police made arrests in a homicide and arson case.
Jose Antonio Alvarado, 37, his wife, Ana Rodas, 33 and his cousin, Ramon Alberton Alvarado, 32, are all charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 26 death of Lila Meizell.
Meizell was killed and her Wheaton home set on fire, investigators said.
Alvarado allegedly did yard work at Meizell's home and tampered with payment checks given to him to increase their value.
The trio is accused of killing Meizell and setting her house on fire to cover up the homicide.
Alvardo'?s charges also include conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree arson. Rodas is also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree arson.
Ramon Alberto Alvarado is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
Police said that they received a call at 8 p.m. Wednesday from a person known to Meizell. After the line went dead, officers were called to check on the caller's welfare.
When officers arrived at Meizell's home, they saw smoke and called for fire rescue units. Shortly after entering the home, firefighters found Meizell lying unresponsive on the floor.
Despite attempts by rescuers, Meizell died at the scene.
Two officers and one firefighter were injured during the rescue attempt and were transported to local hospitals. They were all treated and released.
The medical examiner said that Meizell died of blunt force trauma, burns and smoke inhalation.
Fire investigators said that they discovered that the fire was intentionally set by using an accelerant.
Investigators said that they believe that Alvarado became worried that Meizell would become cognizant of his check fraud and attacked her to cover up the crime. Alvarado was allegedly injured while starting the fire.
Police said that the trio used the money from the checking scheme to purchase a car, computer and clothing. The evidence was purportedly found why officers executed a search warrant at their home.
All three are being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.
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