LOWELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A man accused of accelerating a deadly fire in Lowell by pouring vodka on it, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing during his arraignment Friday. One man was killed in the fire.
Eugene Newton, 42, is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
The fire started shortly after 3:15 p.m. Thursday on Pevey Street. Authorities said the vodka caused the flames to "accelerate out of control subsequently engulfing the victim."
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An investigation showed that the victim and another woman were allegedly sitting around the fire when the vodka was poured on it. Authorities also allege that Newton did not help the victim get to safety or call for help.
The victim was taken Lowell General Hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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