Pennsylvania Man Charged After Fatal Arson At Lewistown Boarding House
A Pennsylvania man has been charged with fatal arson after a fire around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at a multi-tenant boarding house in Lewistown that left one resident dead and two others critically injured.[1]
Police identified the suspect as Robert Shane Zimmerman, and said the victim was 44-year-old Brandy Phillippe.[1] Two other residents suffered serious injuries and were flown to trauma centers for treatment.[1] Zimmerman is jailed at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility on multiple charges including arson.[1]
The Lewistown Police say the fire began around 11:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, on the home's first floor.[1] Witnesses told investigators Zimmerman became upset after a woman at the residence rejected his advances and then set several items on fire on the first floor.[1] The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal ruled the blaze an arson, and investigators arrested Zimmerman afterward.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Lewistown Police say the fire began around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at a multi-tenant home in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
- One resident, identified as 44-year-old Brandy Phillippe, was found dead inside; two others suffered serious injuries and were flown to trauma centers.
- Witnesses reported that suspect Robert Shane Zimmerman became upset after a woman at the residence rejected him and then set several items on fire on the first floor.
- The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal ruled the blaze arson, and Zimmerman is jailed at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility on multiple charges including arson.
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