Woman arrested on capital murder charge in Christmas Eve blaze that killed 2

Authorities arrested Kristen Lewis, 35, about 10:30 a.m., the Fort Worth Fire Department said in a news release. She is facing a charge of capital murder and arson of a habitation.

The fire department responded to the blaze Dec. 24, a little before 8 p.m. in the 600 block of King George Drive, in the Tides at Meadowbrook apartments, the release said. Firefighters rescued two victims, who later died from their injuries.

According to the Dallas County medical examiner’s office, Dwight Durham, 47, died Dec. 27 at Parkland Memorial Hospital. A police report and a department spokesman identified the second victim as 28-year-old Galisha Gaston.

The department said 16 apartment units were believed to have been damaged by the fire, and at least 25 people were displaced.

The Fort Worth Fire Department’s arson unit investigated the fire and determined it was intentionally set. After an investigation, the fire department said warrants were issued for Lewis’ arrest.

“Arson is a crime of opportunity that is frequently used for threats and intimidation,” said Fort Worth Fire Chief James Davis in the release. “In Fort Worth, if you use fire as a weapon, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”