Durham, North Carolina — A 31-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say she deliberately set fire to an apartment complex where her own mother and brother lived, leaving seven people injured, including several firefighters.
Mahogany Ashley Massey has been charged with first-degree arson, three counts of assault with serious bodily injury, and three additional arson counts related to injuries sustained by firefighters during the response.
The Durham Fire Department was called to the University Ridge apartment complex around 11 a.m. on Sunday after reports of a fire. Crews arriving on scene found heavy flames that had already broken through the roof of the building. It took firefighters approximately an hour to bring the blaze under control.
In total, seven people were hurt in the incident, with five requiring hospital treatment. Investigators determined early on that the fire had been intentionally set and identified Massey as the suspect, taking her into custody shortly afterward.
During her arraignment, prosecutors stated that a list referencing people she intended to harm was discovered among her belongings. Officials also said this was not the first time she had allegedly attempted to set fire to the same complex.
Massey’s mother remains hospitalized in serious condition, while her brother suffered a severe injury after cutting an artery on broken glass while attempting to help their mother escape the building.
Family members have described long-standing concerns about Massey’s mental health, stating she had stopped taking prescribed medication for an extended period despite previous attempts to get her treatment.
Witnesses say Massey stayed near the scene throughout the emergency response rather than approaching her injured family members.
Massey’s defense attorney has requested that she be evaluated and treated for mental health issues rather than face standard incarceration. During the court proceeding, she reportedly interrupted multiple times before the hearing continued without her present.
She is currently being held without bond at the Durham County Jail, with her next scheduled court appearance set for July 2.
