HARFORD COUNTY, MD – A Maryland resident, Christina L. Beattie, is now facing severe legal repercussions, including charges of attempted murder and arson. This follows an incident on Sunday where she allegedly set her own home on fire with another individual inside. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene on Shady Drive at around 3 a.m.
Upon their arrival, the deputies were met with a burning front porch, which they promptly extinguished. Beattie was later found at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor shared with the deputies that Beattie was staying with her due to a disagreement with a man living in Beattie’s home. The neighbor had extended an offer for Beattie to spend the night at her place while the man stayed at Beattie’s house.
However, Beattie left the neighbor’s house after about 20 minutes. When she returned, her house was ablaze with the man still inside. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the situation. With the assistance of a K9 unit, it was concluded that the fire was intentionally started.
Beattie is now facing charges including first- and second-degree arson, first- and second-degree malicious burning, and attempted murder. She is being held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center as the investigation continues.