Devastated: Madison Home Blaze Claims Pregnant Mom and Kids – 2 Charged with Murder

A Wisconsin community is heartbroken after a tragic house fire took the lives of a pregnant mother and her two young children. What began as a suspected accidental fire has now turned into a full-scale homicide investigation after Madison police confirmed that two individuals have been arrested and charged with murder.

The blaze broke out just before 10:00 p.m. Sunday night in the Crestview neighborhood, a quiet residential area on the city’s southwest side. Flames engulfed a small family home on Crestview Drive near Elm Street, drawing multiple 911 calls from shocked neighbors.

Inside the burning home were 28-year-old Emily Harper, her 7-year-old son Noah, and her 3-year-old daughter Ava. Emily was seven months pregnant with her third child. Despite rapid response from firefighters, the family could not be saved.

Initially thought to be an electrical fire, the case took a grim turn after investigators discovered evidence of arson. Madison Police Chief Brian Winslow confirmed during a Monday press briefing that two male suspects, whose names have not yet been released pending arraignment, have been taken into custody.

“This was not a random act, but we currently have no indication that the suspects knew the victims,” said Chief Winslow. “This appears to be a premeditated and intentional act that led to the deaths of three innocent children and their mother.”

As news of the arrests spread, residents of the Crestview community were left reeling. A growing memorial of candles, flowers, and stuffed animals now marks the lawn of the destroyed home. The family was well-known and loved in the neighborhood. Emily had worked part-time at a local library and was frequently seen walking her children to the nearby park.

“She was one of those people who always had a smile on her face,” said Gina Morales, owner of the nearby Elm Café. “Her kids would come in for hot chocolate after school. I can’t believe they’re gone.”

According to local fire officials, evidence at the scene included the scent of accelerants and burn patterns inconsistent with accidental origin. Surveillance footage from nearby homes is being reviewed to determine if the suspects were caught entering the property before the fire began.

The two suspects have been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as Emily’s unborn child is being recognized under Wisconsin’s fetal homicide law. Their arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning at the Dane County Courthouse.

This tragedy has struck a nerve not only because of the victims’ ages but also because of the violent nature of the crime. Madison has experienced an uptick in arson cases over the past year, though none as deadly or disturbing as this.

City leaders, including Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, have called for calm and support. “We must stand with the Harper family during this horrific time and ensure justice is served swiftly,” the mayor said in a statement.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday evening in Ridgewood Park, just a block away from the scene. Community counselors will also be available for anyone struggling with grief or trauma.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:

Madison has seen a rise in residential fires this year, but investigators say this blaze was deliberately set—underscoring how arson can escalate from property crime to lethal violence when children are involved.

Update Log

• 🆕 8:00 a.m. 06/30/2025: Two suspects arrested on first-degree murder charges

• 🆕 12:30 p.m. 06/30/2025: Fire deemed arson; victim IDs confirmed

• 🆕 4:00 p.m. 06/30/2025: Court arraignment scheduled for Monday morning

Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects is urged to contact Madison Police Department’s tip line. Authorities are especially interested in dashcam or doorbell footage recorded between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday near Crestview Drive.

The loss of Emily Harper and her children has devastated this neighborhood—but as residents come together in mourning, they are also unified in their demand for justice.