Crime & Safety
Brooklyn Teen Faces Murder Charges For Deadly Jamaica Fire
A 17-year-old East New York resident was arrested in connection with a Jamaica fire last year that left two dead.
JAMAICA, QUEENS — A Brooklyn teenager is facing murder and arson charges for a deadly house fire in Jamaica last year.
East New York resident Kahj Woods, 17, is under arrest for the Dec. 23, 2018 blaze that left two elderly men dead in their home, police said Thursday.
Woods' great-grandmother lived on the second floor of the building at 95-32 150 St. and was the victims' caregiver, prosecutors said.
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Woods now stands accused of intentionally starting a fire in the hallway of the building's ground floor, which houses a church.
Firefighters rescued the two unconscious men from the burning building and rushed them to Jamaica Hospital, where they died. Police identified the victims as David Hawkins, 64, and John Wigfall, 86.
Find out what's happening in Jamaicafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Wood is due to return to court on July 16, 2019. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
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