PHOENIX — A man was taken into custody Friday after he allegedly set a house on fire, killing a woman Thursday afternoon.
Just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, fire crews were called to a fire near 35th Avenue and Beardsley Road.
When they arrived, they found a home on fire. While searching through the home, firefighters located an elderly woman, later identified as 86-year-old Elizabeth Bell.
Bell was "identified beyond resuscitation" and pronounced dead, according to Phoenix Fire Department officials. Phoenix police say there was a second victim who was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. That individual has not been identified.
Phoenix police announced their search for the man they believe is responsible for the fire Friday afternoon. He was identified as 59-year-old Wayne Tweed.
Police say Tweed intentionally set that home on fire Thursday and reportedly fled the area.
Tweed was taken into custody without incident Friday night in the area of 39th Avenue and Deer Valley Road.
According to police, Tweed is a resident of Bell's property.
Police say Tweed is being booked under multiple charges including second-degree murder. He is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond.
Detectives are seeking 59-year-old Wayne Tweed in connection with the murder of 86-year-old Elizabeth Bell.
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 10, 2023
Wayne is 5'5", 170 lbs, with brown hair and blue eyes with multiple tattoos.
Use @SilentwitnessAZ to stay anonymous and be eligible for up to a $2,000 dollar reward. pic.twitter.com/AnUKSuOj8E
This incident remains under investigation.
