Woman calmly ‘smoked a cigarette and drank a beer’ after setting fire to apartment that injured her mother and brother as part of her ‘kill list’: Cops
A North Carolina woman is facing serious felony charges after prosecutors say she deliberately set fire to an apartment building, injuring multiple people, including her own mother and brother. Authorities allege that after the blaze erupted, the woman calmly sat outside smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer while emergency crews rushed victims to safety. Investigators also claim they discovered a disturbing “people to kill” list among her belongings.
Suspect Identified as Durham Woman
The woman accused in the case is 31-year-old Mahogany Ashley Massey of Durham, North Carolina. She was arrested following a major fire at the University Ridge Apartments in Durham and has been charged with multiple felony counts, including first-degree arson and assault causing serious bodily injury. Authorities are holding her without bond after a judge determined she posed a danger to the community.
Fire Broke Out at University Ridge Apartments
The fire occurred on June 14, 2026, at the University Ridge Apartments. According to firefighters, the blaze spread rapidly through the building, creating life-threatening conditions for residents. Several occupants had to be rescued, and at least one person was forced to jump from a third-story window to escape the flames. The fire ultimately displaced 18 residents and rendered all 18 apartment units uninhabitable. Nine of those units were occupied at the time of the incident.
Multiple People Injured During the Blaze
Court documents indicate that several people were injured as a result of the fire. Among those hurt were three Durham firefighters who responded to the emergency, as well as Massey’s mother and brother. Prosecutors told the court that Massey’s mother suffered severe smoke inhalation and remained hospitalized following the incident.
The injuries to Massey’s brother were also severe. According to prosecutors, he re-entered the burning building in an attempt to rescue his mother. During the rescue effort, glass reportedly exploded from the intense heat and severed an artery in his arm. Prosecutors said he nearly bled to death as a result of the injury.
Prosecutors Reveal Alleged “People to Kill” List
One of the most alarming details presented during Massey’s first court appearance involved a document investigators allegedly found among her belongings. Prosecutors described it as a “people to kill” list. They argued that the discovery, combined with the circumstances of the fire, demonstrated that Massey posed a significant threat to public safety and should remain behind bars while the case proceeds.
Authorities Also Mention Previous Fire Attempt
During the bond hearing, prosecutors further claimed that Massey had attempted to start another fire approximately one week before the apartment blaze. Details regarding that alleged prior incident have not yet been publicly released, but prosecutors cited it as another reason to deny her release.
Father Describes Daughter’s Long Mental Health Struggles
Following the arrest, Massey’s father, Daron Massey, spoke publicly about his daughter’s history of mental illness. He stated that she had struggled for years with severe psychiatric conditions, including bipolar schizophrenia and paranoid schizophrenia. According to him, she experiences hallucinations and paranoia and becomes increasingly unstable when she stops taking prescribed medication.
Allegedly Off Medication for Two Months
Daron Massey told reporters that his daughter had been off her medication for approximately two months before the fire. He said he had repeatedly attempted to help her but felt powerless to force treatment.
According to his account, he had previously sought involuntary commitments for his daughter, only for her to be released. He expressed frustration and sadness over what he believes was a long-term mental health crisis that ultimately culminated in the apartment fire.
Chilling Account of Her Behavior After the Fire
Perhaps the most shocking allegation in the case came from Massey’s father when he described her behavior as emergency responders treated victims.
According to him, Massey’s mother saw her daughter outside while she was being carried away on a stretcher. Rather than rushing to check on her injured mother or reacting emotionally to the unfolding crisis, Massey allegedly remained seated outside.
Her father said she sat on a wall, smoked a cigarette, and drank a beer while watching emergency crews respond to the disaster. He described her demeanor as detached and indifferent, claiming she simply observed the scene as if she were another bystander.
Court Hearing Interrupted by Defendant
During her initial court appearance, prosecutors sought to have Massey held without bond. The hearing became disruptive when Massey repeatedly interrupted the proceedings. The interruptions eventually became significant enough that the judge continued portions of the hearing without her present in the courtroom.
Defense Argues She Needs Treatment
Massey’s defense team argued that her behavior should be viewed through the lens of severe mental illness. They maintained that she requires psychiatric treatment rather than simple incarceration.
Mental health professionals interviewed by local media emphasized that untreated mental illness can sometimes escalate into dangerous and irrational behavior. Experts also stressed the importance of early intervention and ongoing treatment for individuals experiencing severe psychiatric disorders.
Survivor Forced to Jump From Third-Story Window
One resident, 28-year-old Justice Houllier, described his dramatic escape from the burning building. He told reporters that he first heard a neighbor’s alarm before his own alarm sounded. When he realized the fire was spreading, he made the split-second decision to jump from a third-story window.
Houllier survived but suffered a fractured spine and a severe foot injury. He later said that in the moment, his only concern was escaping alive and that he had no choice but to leap from the building.
Apartment Building Left Uninhabitable
The fire caused extensive damage throughout the University Ridge Apartments complex. Fire officials reported that none of the building’s 18 units remained habitable after the blaze. The destruction displaced numerous residents and left families searching for temporary housing and assistance.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the exact method used to start the blaze and the significance of the alleged “people to kill” list. Prosecutors have indicated that the case remains active and that additional details may emerge as the investigation progresses. Massey remains in custody without bond while awaiting future court proceedings.
