Suspect identified in Jamaica double homicide, arson

The Jamaica apartment building where a Brooklyn teen is believed to have set a fire that killed two men. Photo via Google Maps.

By Phineas Rueckert

A Brooklyn teen was arrested Thursday after allegedly starting a fire that killed two people in Queens last winter. Kahj Woods, 17, was charged on two counts of murder, manslaughter and arson in connection with the incident, according to the NYPD.

The suspect was identified through video taken at the incident, police said.

Two Queens residents — David Hawkins and John Wigfall — died shortly after the alleged arson, which occurred on Dec. 23, 2018. Flames engulfed the two-story building, which sits above the Next Generation of Victory Temple church at 95-32 150 St. in Jamaica, just after 3 p.m. Both Hawkins and Wigfall were pronounced dead at the hospital after being pulled from the burning structure.

A third resident, who was roommates with Hawkins and Wigfall, was at church when the fire was set, ABC 7 reported in January.

Police have said that an accelerant was used to start the fire, but could not provide details as to which type.