Jul 25, 2007 5:45 pm US/Eastern
Police: Teen Set Fire That Killed Adoptive Father
Codee Wheeler, 16, is now facing charges in connection with a fatal house fire in Blairsville
BLAIRSVILLE (KDKA) ―
An Indiana County teenager is in police custody facing homicide charges for allegedly setting the fire that killed her adoptive father four months ago.
William Wheeler, 57, became trapped inside his burning home along South Stewart Street in Blairsville on March 21st. He died of smoke inhalation and authorities said it appeared that someone deliberately started the fire.
Now Wheeler's adoptive daughter stands accused of the crime.
Authorities have charged Codee Wheeler, 16, as an adult.
She is facing a list of charges including homicide, arson, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.
At this point, police have not released any other details about the case, but the teenager's mother says Codee is innocent.
Susan Wheeler told KDKA that her husband lit candles all the time, which is what she believes started the fire.
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