Teen charged with homicide in fatal house fire

SAUGERTIES— A 17-year-old Saugerties resident has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection with a May house fire that claimed the life of a woman and five dogs.

The Saugerties Police Department arrested the teenager on Thursday, November 5, following a months-long investigation into the blaze at 638 Route 212.

The victim, identified as 48-year-old Li-Anne M. Gableman, was found dead on the second floor of the multi-occupant residence.

Police said the fire originated on the first floor of the building, although authorities have not disclosed what investigators believe caused the blaze or how the teenager was allegedly involved.

The fire was reported at approximately 3:32 a.m. on May 28, when Ulster County 911 received a call reporting a residential structure fire.

The Saugerties Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit.

The teenager, whose name was not released, was processed at the Saugerties Police Department before being transported to Ulster County Youth Part Court for arraignment. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court at a later date.

The Centerville Fire District responded to the fire, along with fire departments from Glasco, Mount Marion, Ulster Hose and Woodstock. Additional agencies responding to the scene included the Arlington Fire District, Diaz Ambulance, New York State Police, Ulster County Sheriff's Office, Ulster County Medical Examiner's Office and Ulster County SPCA.