Three Held in Wheaton Woman's Killing

Three people were arrested Friday night in connection with a fire that killed a Wheaton woman.

Montgomery County police said a man who had done yard work for Lila Meizell, 83, at her home in the 10500 block of Inwood Avenue had altered the checks she wrote him to get more money and that he, his wife and a cousin decided to kill Meizell to keep her from finding out.

Police said Meizell was talking on the phone Wednesday evening when the worker, Jose Antonio Alvarado, 37, and his cousin, Ramon Alberto Alvarado, 32, both of Downer Drive in Wheaton, arrived at her home. Police said Ramon Alvarado attacked the woman and set the fire. The phone line went out and the unidentified person Meizell had been talking with alerted police.

Two officers and one firefighter were injured while trying to rescue Meizell, who was pulled out of her smoke-filled home. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt-force trauma, burns and smoke inhalation. Police said the fire, started with ignitable liquid on the first floor, was set to cover up the attack.

According to a neighbor, Meizell had lived in the neighborhood for at least three decades and had been a widow for more than 10 years. Police said they found items purchased with Meizell's money, including a car, computer and clothing, when they searched the home of Jose Antonio Alvarado and his wife, Ana L. Rodas, 33.

Jose Antonio and Ramon Alvarado were charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree arson. Rodas was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit arson.

All three are being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.