Arson identified as the cause of fatal apartment fire

Jennifer Lee Roberts died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as a result of the fire incident in the Wednesday, Jan. 30 fire at Royal Hills Apartments. Two firefighters were injured while extinguishing the fire. / File photo

The Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office and Front Royal Police Department Criminal Investigations Division joint investigation surrounding a fire incident which occurred on January 30, 2019 at 47 Royal Lane in Front Royal has determined that the fire was intentionally started by the sole occupant of the third floor apartment where the fire originated.

The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that Ms. Jennifer Roberts, a 51 year female died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries as a result of the fire incident. Ms. Roberts was found deceased in the apartment where the fire started by firefighters during search and rescue efforts. Ms. Roberts has been identified as the sole suspect of the incident.

Investigators determined that a possible motive of the arson event was an apparent attempt to damage the property in which Ms. Roberts was being evicted from the next day. Investigators were not able to eliminate the act of suicide. The fire caused significant damages to the 10 unit apartment building and caused minor injuries to several firefighters.

The Department of Fire and Rescue Services and the Front Royal Police Department wishes to express their gratitude to the Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office-Canine Division, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the community for their assistance in this investigation.