KINGSESSING — Chardae Sapp, 34, has been charged with murder, four counts of attempted murder, and arson in connection with a Feb. 4, 2026, fire on the 5400 block of Regent Street in Kingsessing that killed Raymond Bell, 25, according to NBC10, citing court documents. CBS News Philadelphia also reported Sapp’s arrest in connection with the Southwest Philadelphia blaze.
NBC10 reported Sapp was arrested Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. CBS reported firefighters and police were called to the Regent Street rowhome just after 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 4. Firefighters pulled Bell from the burning two-story home; he was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Four other people who were inside when the fire began escaped safely, NBC10 reported.
A Philadelphia Fire Department spokesperson confirmed the fire was intentionally set, NBC10 reported. CBS reported the fire marshal’s office ruled the blaze incendiary but did not say how it started. Prosecutors allege Sapp “knowingly, recklessly or negligently” started the fire or caused an explosion that led to Bell’s death, according to court documents cited by NBC10. Police have not publicly detailed a motive, the mechanism, or Sapp’s connection to Bell.
A judge denied bail at an initial court appearance, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 28, NBC10 reported. Sapp is presumed innocent.
Sources: NBC10; CBS News Philadelphia.
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