Man Charged With Murder, Arson After Wife's Death In Westminster Fire

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A man faces murder and arson charges after police say he set several fires in the home where his wife became trapped and died on November 13.

Carroll County Sheriff's Office Detectives and the Office of the State Fire Marshal have charged 69-year-old Robert Charles Schech, Sr., with the fire-related death of Donna Marie Schech, who was 55.

Around 1:30 a.m. that day, crews were dispatched to the 2600 block of Hoffman Mill Road for a house fire with one reported trapped.

Investigators determined that multiple fires were set within the residence, and these fires prevented Donna Schech from escaping. She died of heat and smoke related injuries.

Robert is charged with arson, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, malicious burning and fraud.

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook