The fire on June 21, 2024 was determined to have been intentionally set.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor’s note: The above video is the original report from the fire, which aired on June 21, 2024.
An arson investigation centered on a south Charlotte apartment has now evolved after the woman rescued from it died more than a month later.
The fire on June 21, 2024, happened at a unit at the Sharon Place Condominiums along Sharon Road West near South Boulevard, around 6:30 p.m. The Charlotte Fire Department said crews responded to rescue the woman, now identified as 82-year-old Lorna Joy Roth. Roth was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries. Investigators said a day later the fire was intentionally set.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced on Friday, August 9 that the investigation took a turn after Roth died just days earlier, on August 6. Her family has since been informed of her passing.
CMPD said it had consulted with the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office and determined that Roth’s death was tied to the injuries she suffered in the fire. Her death has now been ruled as a homicide.
Police are now asking for anyone with tips about the fire and Roth’s death to share them. Information can be called in to CMPD at (704) 432-TIPS, allowing someone to talk with a detective directly. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Stoppers online or by calling (704) 334-1600.
If your loved one was impacted by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our More Than A Number initiative. With your help, we want to share who your loved one was with our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.Â
