HARFORD COUNTY, MD – A woman from Maryland is facing charges of attempted murder and arson following allegations that she deliberately ignited her home’s front porch while another person was inside. The incident occurred on Sunday, and the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office reported that fire crews and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a house on Shady Drive around 3 a.m.
Upon arrival, deputies found the front porch ablaze and swiftly extinguished the fire. The homeowner, Christina L. Beattie, was subsequently located at a neighboring residence. The neighbor informed deputies that Beattie was staying with her following a dispute with a man who was residing at Beattie’s home. The neighbor had offered Beattie a place to stay for the night while the man remained at her house.
However, approximately 20 minutes later, Beattie reportedly left the neighbor’s house. Upon her return, her home was on fire with the man still inside. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was summoned to investigate the incident. Aided by a K9 unit, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set.
Beattie is now facing charges of first- and second-degree arson, first- and second-degree malicious burning, and attempted murder. She is currently being held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.