Nov. 20--RED SPRINGS -- A Red Springs woman is accused of setting a fire Friday that destroyed the home where she, her pregnant daughter and four grandchildren were staying, authorities said.
Three of the family's parrots and a 6- to 7-week old beagle puppy died in the fire at 466 Columbus Circle, which is about four miles southeast of Red Springs, said Lt. Brian Duckworth of the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
Marilyn Rose Lowery, 56, is charged with second-degree arson, felony cruelty to animals and misdemeanor communicating threats, Duckworth said.
Lowery and her daughter, Gloria Lowery, had argued earlier in the evening, Duckworth said. Gloria Lowery took her children and went to a neighbor's home to get away, he said.
Marilyn Lowery, who had threatened earlier to set fire to the house, started the fire by lighting a bed, Duckworth said, and the house was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
The house, valued at $34,400, was owned by Juan L. Acevedo, who is Gloria Lowery's boyfriend, Duckworth said.
The family was being assisted by the Red Cross, but is trying to find a place to live.
Marilyn Lowery's bail was set at $10,000.
Staff writer Nancy McCleary can be reached at [email protected] or 486-3568.
Copyright 2012 - The Fayetteville Observer, N.C.
