Pennsylvania – In a horrific incident in Pennsylvania, a 46-year-old man, identified as Brian S., has been arrested and charged after setting his family’s home ablaze, killing his 19-year-old daughter, identified as Lakyn S., and injuring his estranged wife in a fire that authorities say was deliberately set in a fit of rage. Brian now faces a slate of serious charges, including criminal homicide, aggravated arson, and causing or risking catastrophe, following the fatal incident.
The blaze, which occurred shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday, erupted into a deadly inferno within seconds. Emergency responders received numerous 911 calls about a fire engulfing a residence on the 800 block of Corbett Drive. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was already consumed by flames, with two people trapped inside—Brian’s wife and their daughter, Lakyn.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the tragedy began after an argument between Brian and his wife. The couple, who were reportedly separated, had a confrontation at the home when Brian attempted to convince her to let him stay. When she refused and told him he had to leave, Brian allegedly responded with a chilling threat: “burn the house down.” He then went to the garage, retrieved a large can of gasoline, and poured it throughout both floors of the house. His wife screamed for Lakyn to get out as flames ignited, but it was already too late. “She said as she ran out, ‘the house exploded into flames,’” the affidavit states.
Lakyn was unable to escape. Firefighters later found her unresponsive inside the house and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother was rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. Brian, who remained on the scene after the fire, was taken into custody by police. After being advised of his Miranda rights, he allegedly confessed to setting the fire, stating that he had been trying to persuade his wife to let him stay when he made the decision to ignite the gasoline.
The speed and intensity of the fire shocked neighbors who witnessed the tragic events unfold. One local resident, P. Funwela, described the scene in heartbreaking detail. According to the neighbor, it took only about 13 seconds for the entire house to be engulfed in flames. He ran outside and saw that the windows had all been blown out, and a gas tank was lying in the middle of the street.
Funwela and other neighbors attempted to save Lakyn, breaking windows and scaling ladders to reach her, but the smoke was too thick. “We broke the window, climbed up the ladder, screaming for Lakyn — no words, nothing. The smoke was unbelievable. It was the thickest black smoke I have ever seen,” he said. On Monday night, Lakyn’s friends held a vigil in her memory. Her childhood friend, A. Kelley, remembered her as someone whose energy and confidence lit up every room. “She was so smart, and she could kick down the doors with her charisma,” Kelley said.
The homicide unit is leading the investigation. Brian has been transported to the county jail, where he awaits a preliminary arraignment. He remains in custody, with authorities calling on anyone with additional information to contact them. While the investigation continues, a community mourns a young life stolen in an act of senseless violence—one that her mother tried to prevent but which escalated with terrifying speed. The case is a stark reminder of how domestic disputes can turn deadly and of how threats, even those made in anger, must be taken seriously.
