Man Accused of Burning Wife While Children Were Home

A New Haven man was arrested Sunday, accused of setting his wife on fire. Their children were home when the blaze was set, police say.

New Haven fire and police officials responded to 14 Market St. around 7:45 a.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call for a fire on the second-floor of a home.

Police said Howard Stewart intentionally burned the home and also intentionally burned his wife, Christina Lee, because of an argument that they had the night before.

Lee's 12-year-old daughter and 3-month-old child were home at the time of the fire, police said.

Lee was taken to Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit where she was treated for second and third-degree burns. She is listed in critical condition.

Police arrested Stewart after finding him walking in the area of James Street and Grand Avenue.

He was charged with arson in the first-degree, assault in the first-degree, criminal attempt to commit assault, risk of injury and criminal mischief.

He is being held on a $1 million bond. Officials are investigating.

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