Details Of Berwyn Arson Investigation Released

BERYWN, PA — Chester County authorities released details on the arson case that stemmed from a July 23 house fire in Berwyn.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Easttown Township Police Department Wednesday said Kathryn Frankel, 41, of Berwyn, is charged with felony arson, felony criminal mischief, felony reckless burning, and more crimes after they said she intentionally set fire to her residence, located at 400 Leopard Road in Berwyn.

Authorities said Frankel was the only person present in the home when the fire began, and was seen wandering around the property before emergency responders arrived.

EMS personnel who responded to the fire found Frankel covered in soot and said her hair appeared to have been singed, authorities said.

A cigarette lighter was found near the home, and a K9 alerted to the presence of ignitable liquids on both Frankel's clothes and areas inside the property.

The fire broke out at about 10:42 a.m. that day, and first responders saw smoke coming from all three floors of the home, which has an estimated value of $1.4 million and was co-owned by Frankel and her ex-husband, Fox 29 reported.

Assistant Fire Marshal Randall Patton responded to the scene to conduct an investigation while others worked to put out the fire.

The Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the cause of the fire as incendiary, meaning intentionally set, with at least one point of origin.

Authorities are also aware of a fire that occurred at the same house on May 1. Investigators are reviewing that fire in light of the July 23 fire.

The Easttown Township Police Department is the lead investigating agency, but was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Frankel was freed after posting $25,000 bail Wednesday and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 5, court records show.