Brandy Phillippe identified as woman killed in Lewistown arson

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN — The woman killed in a Bratton Avenue house fire that authorities have ruled arson has been identified as Brandy Phillippe, 44, of Lewistown, according to the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office.

Phillippe died after a late-night fire broke out Wednesday at a home in the 200 block of Bratton Avenue in Lewistown Borough. The coroner’s office said Phillippe attempted to flee the home but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death is being investigated as a homicide after the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal determined the fire was intentionally set.

Two other people were seriously injured in the fire, according to police.

A man escaped by jumping from a second-floor window and was flown to a burn trauma center with facial injuries and burns to his throat. A woman was seen hanging from a second-floor window before falling to the sidewalk below. Authorities believe she may have lost consciousness from smoke inhalation. She also was flown to a trauma center.

Police have identified Robert Shane Zimmerman, 40, of Lewistown, as a person of interest in the investigation. As of the latest available reports, charges were expected to be filed in connection with the fire.

According to police, witnesses said Zimmerman had been at the Bratton Avenue home shortly before the fire and had professed his love for a woman who lived there. After the woman rejected him, Zimmerman allegedly became upset and began setting several items on fire on the first floor of the residence.

Witnesses also told police they heard Zimmerman admit to starting the fire and saw him in a nearby alley watching the home burn. Investigators said surveillance images corroborated witness statements.

Police later found Zimmerman at a boarding home on East Third Street. Authorities said he smelled of ash and smoke when he was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Police said Zimmerman told officers he had ingested fentanyl and showed signs of an overdose. He was taken to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital for treatment, then medically cleared and questioned by police. Investigators said Zimmerman made several incriminating statements.

The Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and Lewistown Police Department are investigating the fire. Additional information, including formal charges, was expected to be released.