Lawrence, Massachusetts police are investigating an incident that occurred Saturday around 6:20 a.m. on Haverhill Street.
They say a woman stabbed a 38-year-old female in the abdomen and then set a couch on fire. This suspect is in custody.
The blaze escalated to a three-alarm fire. It was knocked down around 7:15 a.m.
"It appears the fire started on the first floor in a bedroom and extended up to the second floor and the attic area," Deputy Chief John McInnis of the Lawrence Fire Department said.
An acquaintance of the victim, Jose Gonzalez, says the two women have been fighting sporadically for the past year.
"I knew that she had problems with her girlfriend, but I had no clue whatsoever that the girlfriend was, you know, psychotic enough to start a fire," Gonzalez said.
The structure housed at least three families and the Red Cross is assisting those who are displaced.
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"The other two apartments, from what I can understand, aren't very livable," Gonzalez explained.
Neighbors say two dogs didn't make it out of the blaze.
In addition, the Lawrence Fire Department chief says three firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
Police say they have been called to the apartment 13 times since August.
The suspect, 34-year-old Yohanna Estrella, was charged with arson of a dwelling, assault and batter of a household member, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to commit murder.
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