Van Allen House Fire

Criminal Activity

Late in the evening, William Crawford broke into the home of the Van Allen's. He broke into the Master Bedroom by way of the window. He confronted Charles Van Allen and threatened to kill him. A fight between the two broke out, while the staff got the children from their beds and to safety. The two boys, however, came back to support and help their father. Crawford advanced on Van Allen with a knife, and Lydia Van Allen stepped in to save him. She died in his arms. Crawford lost his mind completely after that, and tried to finish Charles off. The boys tried to help, but it was too late. An oil lamp had been knocked over, and a fire was spreading quickly. Charles was defeated, the fire was now out of control, and the Van Allens were caught in the blaze.