Y – all got a lighter? Cell phone movie shows woman setting fatal fire near 12th and Wright
“Y’all got a lighter?” Cell phone movie shows woman setting fatal fire near 12th and Wright
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police are investigating a homicide and arson near 12th and Wright that happened Friday, June 16th. FOX6 News has obtained cell phone movie that shows a woman setting the fire that killed a 72-year-old man.
Authorities were called to the scene shortly before 7:45 p.m.
Police say a 72-year-old man, identified as Willie Greer, died in the fire that was intentionally set by what police say is a known female suspect.
One firefighter was injured as crews worked to extinguish the flames.
12th and Wright
Fatal fire at 12th and Wright
Cell phone movie shows a person carrying what emerges to be a gas container near the home. The movie shows her reaching inwards a window, beginning the blaze. Witnesses told FOX6 News she had a hammer in her palm.
“We see a lady and she began busting out all the windows on the house,” Jessie Hinds said.
Fatal fire near 12th and Wright
Fatal fire near 12th and Wright
Jestopher and Jessie Hinds were nearby with their cousin Travonta Richmond. They observed as the woman’s anger grew.
“She went inwards the garage and grabbed a gas can,” Jessie Hinds said.
“She asks us ‘one of y’all got a lighter?’ And were like, ‘no, we can’t help you with a lighter,'” Travonta Richmond said.
“Then she takes the chair, throws the gas can in there and sets the house on fire,” Jestopher Hinds said.
The movie shows the woman seen lighting the home on fire casually walking away from the scene as the flames grow, and strong smoke billows from the home. At one point, a woman escapes the flames — hopping from a window and running away.
Woman escapes flames near 12th and Wright
A group of youthfull guys is seen running to attempt to help those still trapped inwards.
“We all ran over there and attempted to kick down the door, but all the smoke — nothing we could truly do at that moment,” Jestopher Hinds said.
Youthful dudes attempt to help at scene of fatal fire near 12th and Wright
Mighty, black smoke shoved the group away, and firefighters soon arrived, finding Greer dead in the home.
Neighbors said they were in disbelief.
“I’m just sorry for the loss the people that did lose a family member. I’m going to be pleading for their families and just sorry we couldn’t get them out of there at that time,” Jestopher Hinds said.
Officials said the home is used as a rooming house.
Fatal fire near 12th and Wright
The investigation is ongoing — and police are seeking that female suspect.