Pineville, LA (4/3/2023) – The Pineville Police Department (PPD) reported the arrest of two people in connection with a house fire that claimed the life of 63-year-old Chong Daenen.
On March 26, 2023, at 2:30 AM, the Pineville Fire Department and Pineville Police Department responded to 719 Sanders Street for a fully involved residential fire. After the fire was extinguished, the victim was discovered to be deceased inside of her residence.
Elizabeth Butler, 28, of Pineville, and Dorian Lewis, 39, of Pineville, were each arrested for Negligent homicide, Simple arson of an inhabited dwelling, and three counts of Injury by arson.
Further investigation by the Pineville Fire Department Arson Investigator and the Pineville Criminal Investigation Bureau determined that Butler and Lewis were inside the residence when the fire was started and that an accelerant was used. Lewis was charged with one count of contempt of court.
Butler and Lewis are being held at Rapides Parish Detention Center. The bond for Lewis is set at $260,100; Butler’s bond is set at $260,000.
