NEW ORLEANS – The NOPD has arrested a woman and has issued an arrest warrant for her daughter in the death of a woman whose body was found burned to death inside of a Carrollton apartment last week.
53-year-old Alice Wright was booked Friday with second-degree murder after allegedly conspring with her daughter, 23-year-old Tytesha Wright, to burn to death 57-year-old Cynthia Houston in her home.
The victim was found dead by firefighters who responded to the blaze in the 8100 block of Apricot Street on Friday, Aug. 3. A coroner’s autopsy showed she died of fourth-degree burns and smoke inhalation.
According to police, Tytesha Wright also suffered third-degree burns in the fire and after a short stay at Ochsner Hospital, was moved to the burn center in Baton Rouge.
Police said Tytesha was a caretaker of sorts for Houston and that, when interviewed, said Houston accused her of stealing a debit card and taking money out of her bank account. Police said Tytesha also said that Houston had scheduled an appointment the next day to view surveillance video of the person who had used her card.
Police said Tytesha admitted she stole money from Houston, but said she didn’t set her on fire and that she (Tytesha) was burned when she got into an argument with a man from whom she had purchased cocaine. She said she tased the man and then felt burning on her back. She said she went to the hospital with her mother.
After interviewing Alice Wright Friday, investigators placed her under arrest, and booked her with second-degree murder. They also advised her that there was a warrant issued for the arrest of her daughter, Tyesha, for the same charge. At this time Tyesha Wright is still being treated for severe burns at the Baton Rouge Burn Center.
