Pregnant woman found dead in burning van; man charged with her murder

WatchPregnant woman found dead in burning van; man charged with her murderby WKRC

A pregnant woman in Wales was killed after being caught in a van that was set on fire. One man has been charged with her murder. (North Wales Police)Comment on this story0CommentShare storySharetopics: PrestatynWalesMurderVan firePregnancyThomas BellArsonSamantha PhythianPRESTATYN, Wales (WKRC) — A pregnant woman in Wales was killed after being caught in a van that was set on fire, according to reporting from the BBC. One man has been charged with her murder.

On Oct. 4, crews were called to a vehicle fire near an industrial estate and retail park in the town of Prestatyn, along Wales' northern coast, around 11:30 p.m. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Samantha Phythian by North Wales Police, was found dead inside the van.

According to Judge Geraint Walters, Phythian was still alive when the vehicle went up in flames.

"At the time of ignition the person was alive," Walters said. "Someone set the van alight and the person was alive and was killed as a result of the fire."

North Wales Police on Friday said a postmortem exam also revealed Phythian was pregnant when she died.

In a statement released by police, Phythian's family says she will be remembered as a "much loved Mum, daughter, sister, Auntie and friend."

"Her tragic and untimely death has left her family and friends devastated, struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who meant so much to so many," they said. "While her life has been cruelly cut short, the memories she created, the love she gave and the lives she touched will never be forgotten."

Police arrested 38-year-old Thomas Bell and charged him with murder. Bell allegedly knew Phythian, but he denies setting the fire.

Bell appeared in court Friday and will return in November for a plea and preparation hearing. A provisional trial date is set for April.

A second suspect, a 47-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and possession with intent to supply drugs in connection with the case. His name is not being released at this time.