Victim from April group home fire in Warren dies

WARREN — An April fire on Bonnie Brae Avenue has now claimed the life of one burn victim.

Melissa Watson, 44, died Wednesday morning of injuries suffered when an adult group home at 368 Bonnie Brae Ave. N.E. caught fire in the early hours of April 28, said Shane Cartmill of the Ohio State Fire Marshal.

In a news release, Cartmill said the fire will now be investigated as a homicide and arson.

“All accidental causes have been ruled out,” the news release said. “Investigators have evidence indicating the fire was intentionally set.”

Watson was one of four women living in the home when the fire broke out. Sheree Egry, 53; and Donna Cassidy, 52, remain hospitalized and are recovering from their injuries, according to the news release.

Warren Police Officer Doug Hipple, who was on patrol at the time, was alerted of the fire by a neighbor. He suffered severe burns to his lungs, arm, back and ear, after attempting to rescue the three women living inside.

Once inside the house Hipple became disoriented. He and three of the women were rescued by firefighters about 15 minutes later. The fourth woman, a caretaker for the residents who were developmentally disabled, escaped the blaze on her own.

Hipple spent several weeks in the burn unit at Akron Children’s Hospital receiving treatment before his May 31st release. He has not yet returned to duty.