Man Poured Vodka To Accelerate Fatal Lowell Fire, Prosecutors Say

LOWELL, MA — A man was arraigned and held without bail Friday in connection with a fatal fire that occurred in Lowell Thursday.

Prosecutors said Eugene Newton, 42, poured vodka onto a fire on Pevey Street at around 3:18 p.m. Thursday, making the fire accelerate and engulf an adult man.

Newton made no attempt to seek help or call 911 as the fire burned, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said. When first responders arrived, the victim was taken to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The case has been referred to the chief medical examiner and the victim has not been identified.

Newton was arraigned Friday on the charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. He was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, scheduled April 23.

The investigation is ongoing. The district attorney's office, the Office of the State Fire Marshall, the Lowell Fire Department and state and Lowell police are investigating. Daniel Harren is prosecuting.

This story has been updated.