Man to be arraigned in Connection with Accelerating Fire that Resulted in the Death of  a Man on Pevey Street in Lowell

LOWELL – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Lowell Superintendent of Police Kelly Richardson have confirmed that Eugene Newton, 42, will be arraigned today in Lowell District Court on the charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.   Newton allegedly poured vodka Into a  fire on Pevey Street yesterday at approximately 3:18 p.m.  The alcohol caused the fire to significantly accelerate and subsequently engulf the victim, an adult male.  As the fire raged out of control the defendant made no attempt to seek help or to summon  emergency responders.

When first responders did arrive on scene, the victim was transported and a medical flight was requested.  However, before that  could happen, the victim  died from his injuries at Lowell General Hospital.  This case has been referred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and a positive identification is pending.

This is an open and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Lowell Fire and Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.