St. Pete police have arrested a man and his father in connection to an arson that left an 18-year-old dead.
Arrest records show officers arrested 18-year-old Charles Chambliss on Monday, more than one week after a house fire on Neptune Drive SE left Angelina Anderson dead.
The fire happened around 3:30 a.m. Sunday, March 22, when crews responded to find heavy flames coming from the home. Four people were inside.
Officers said Chambliss, who lived nearby in the Coquina Key neighborhood and knows the family, set fire to the car under the carport
While crews were able to pull them out of the home, Anderson died from her injuries at the scene.
Her sister, 35-year-old Ashley Nero, was hospitalized in critical condition, while her two minor sons were treated for smoke inhalation.
SPPD says Chambliss turned himself in on Wednesday.
Chambliss has been charged with murder by arson and three counts of attempted murder by arson. He is currently in the Pinellas County Jail on no bond and awaiting his court appearance.
Police also said that Chambliss’ father, Charles Chambliss Jr., threw clothing items possibly involved in the investigation into a dumpster behind a closed business.
He is charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Loved ones remember Angelina Anderson
The family of Angelina Anderson was known for her bubbly personality, sweetness, and ability to make others laugh.
“Always kept us laughing,” Ursula, her oldest sister, who wishes to be identified only by her first name, said.
Anderson had just turned 18 before the fire that killed him. When she wasn’t pulling pranks or cracking jokes, Ursula said she loved to sing.
The second youngest of the siblings, Ursula said Angelina had high-functioning autism and touched everyone she met at school and church.
That morning, Ursula said she saw a social media post about a house fire that killed an 18-year-old in Coquina Key.
“I was just like, you know, ‘It just couldn’t possibly be.’ But I got a phone call shortly after confirming that,” she said.
Ursula also spoke about her sister, Ashley, who was known for being very family-oriented and, like Angelina, also smiley and happy. Ursula said Ashley is often the one who brings the family together and would give the shirt off her back to others.
Ursula said she is seeking justice and accountability for the person or people responsible.
“My sisters are very much innocent people in all this,” she said. “Nobody deserves this, and especially not them.”
A GoFundMe has since been organized to support the family. Ursula said any penny raised would help with memorial and funeral expenses, but also help Ashley rebuild after losing the home, clothing, shoes, and other necessities.