Woman arrested for fatal fire

SCHENECTADY - Police arrested a Schenectady woman they say intentionally set a fire that killed her friend's 10-year-old daughter all because of an argument.

A temporary memorial with balloons and flowers still stands in front of the charred home on Congress Street in Schenectady -- along with graffiti on the outside walls -- as a reminder of the tragic fire that killed Avion Bell.

Police say the fire was set by 25-year-old Sarah Moore.

"Moore was arrested early this morning and has been charged with second-degree murder," Capt. Pete Frisoni said.

Moore is also facing arson charges for the June 13 fire. Investigators say Avion was home alone when Moore started the fire around 4 a.m.

Moore and Bell's mother were apparently friends and had an argument that night.

"Ms. Moore was with other people, including Avion's mother, earlier in the evening. She was apparently angry about some disagreement that there was," Frisoni said.

Firefighters managed to rescue Avion. She was rushed to the hospital and died two days later.

Police say several tips led their investigation to Moore.

"There were people that had knowledge of Ms. Moore's involvement and approached us and shared that knowledge with us. What they gave us was crucial and significantly assisted us," Frisoni said.

Moore was arraigned in city court Thursday morning. She's now locked up at the Schenectady County Jail.

Her attorney had no comment on the case.

Moore is due back in court on Tuesday.