The New Jersey State Police have charged Mr. Newlin Evans, 22, of Burlington with murder and arson for allegedly setting fire to an apartment complex that killed a man and injured two other victims.
Officials said on April 20, the Pemberton Borough Police Department began investigating a fire on Egbert Street in Pemberton Borough that killed Camryn Powell, 22, of Pemberton Borough.
As a result of the initial investigation, the fire was deemed suspicious and members from the New Jersey State Police Troop ‘C’ Red Lion Station along with detectives from the Criminal Investigation Office, Major Crime South Unit, and Crime Scene Investigations Unit were requested to assist with the investigation.
The State Police assists the Pemberton Borough Police Department with investigations that involve first and second-degree crimes.
During the investigation, detectives determined that Powell was inside the apartment at the time of the fire and sustained fatal injuries.
As a result of the fire, Evans sustained serious injuries and fled the scene. He was later located at a motel in Mansfield Township and was transported to Jefferson Hospital.
Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Evans initially used an accelerant inside the apartment and started the fire.
On May 4, detectives issued a warrant for his arrest, and he was apprehended by the Jefferson Hospital Campus Security Department. Newlin Evans was charged with felony murder, aggravated arson, causing or risking widespread injury or damage.
He was lodged in the Philadelphia County jail pending extradition to New Jersey.
This case is being prosecuted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.