A 22-year-old Louisville woman has been arrested and accused of attempting to kill her sister by setting her mattress on fire inside a Pleasure Ridge Park duplex.
Addison Brown faces charges of arson, attempted murder, and domestic violence. According to the Louisville Metro Police, investigators believe she deliberately lit her sister’s mattress while the woman was sleeping on it.
Court documents state that the sister awoke to find flames spreading across her room. She used a pillow to stamp out the fire before it engulfed the entire mattress. Officials said the quick action prevented what could have been a deadly situation.
Four other people, including a minor, were inside the home at the time of the fire. None of them was injured, though police emphasized the potential danger the blaze posed to everyone inside, as per reports from KGNS.
Investigators later recovered messages that they say clearly show Brown’s intent to harm her sister. Detectives allege the communications confirm the fire was set on purpose and with the goal of killing her.
Neighbors expressed shock at the allegations. Some said they had never witnessed disputes between the sisters before and were stunned to hear that investigators believe the blaze was intentional. Firefighters who responded to the scene noted that the damage was limited only because the fire was extinguished quickly.
Police arrested Brown shortly after the incident. She is being held at Louisville Metro Corrections while awaiting her first court appearance. Records show she is scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday, September 12.
If convicted, Brown could face lengthy prison time. Under Kentucky law, attempted murder carries a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years, while first-degree arson alone can result in up to 20 years in prison. The domestic violence charge adds another layer of severity to the case.
The incident has also raised concerns in the community about domestic disputes escalating into violence. Advocates for victims of family abuse stressed the importance of seeking help before conflicts turn dangerous, pointing to local hotlines and shelters as resources for those at risk.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to present digital evidence, witness testimony, and fire investigation reports to support their claim that Brown set the fire deliberately. Defense attorneys have not commented publicly on how they will respond to the charges.
For now, Brown remains in custody, and her sister and the other residents of the home are safe but shaken. The upcoming court hearing will determine whether Brown will be granted bond and outline the next steps in the prosecution.