NORWICH, Conn. — Norwich police said a man killed his pregnant wife before he set their home on fire Thursday morning.
The fire was reported at an old colonial home at 283 Franklin Street around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found an unconscious woman inside a bedroom on the second floor of the three-story building. The bedroom was fully-involved in flames.
“It was a well involved fire, but contained to one room,” Norwich Fire Chief Ken Scandariato said.
Family memberstold WFSB that Margaret Mardi was the woman.The family said she was nine months pregnant.
Patrick Antoine, 40, of Norwich, turned himself in to police shortly after officials arrived at the scene.
Police said Antoine drove to police headquarters after he stabbed his wife and set the home on fire.
Mardi lived in the house owned by her uncle Stern Baptiste, who lives on the third floor. Her uncle confirmed Mardi was nine months pregnant and was employed in housekeeping at Foxwoods.
“The husband was working at Foxwoods,” Baptiste said. “When I came here I call him say fire something happened..he never said I don’t know.”
Franklin Street was closed near Boswell Avenue, police said. It is unclear when authorities will reopen Franklin Street. Drivers were advised to avoid the area.
Six people including a child were displaced by the fire, which was knocked down in about 45 minutes. The American Red Cross is helping the two families with immediate needs.
Antione is being held on $1,000,000 bond. He was charged with murder and arson in the 1st degree.
