A 22-year-old woman from Kentucky has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after she allegedly tried to kill her sister by setting her mattress on fire while she was asleep. The shocking incident, which occurred over three months ago, has now led to multiple serious felony charges.
The Incident: Fire While Sister Slept
According to an arrest warrant obtained by local Louisville outlets (WLKY, WHAS 11, and WAVE), Addison Brown was first accused of starting a fire in her sister’s bed on June 1.
Her sister told Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) arson investigators that she woke up to flames surrounding her mattress and quickly rolled off the bed to escape.
In a panic, she grabbed a pillow and managed to put out the fire herself before it could spread further. Emergency responders arrived soon after, but the fire had already been extinguished. Brown had allegedly fled the scene by the time police arrived.
Multiple People in the Home
At the time of the incident, five people were present in the duplex, including a minor. Officials said that the potential risk to multiple lives added to the seriousness of the charges.
Investigators later discovered that Brown had sent text messages to several people — including her sister — in which she admitted to setting the mattress on fire intentionally to try and kill her sister.
Delayed Arrest, Serious Charges
Though the crime occurred on June 1, Brown was only arrested on Friday, September 12 — over three months later. She now faces the following charges:
Attempted murder (domestic violence)
First-degree arson
Four counts of wanton endangerment
Penalties She May Face
All the charges against Brown are felonies under Kentucky law:
Attempted murder: 10 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
First-degree arson: 20 to 50 years in prison
Wanton endangerment (per count): Up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine
If convicted on all counts, Brown could face decades behind bars.
What Happens Next
Brown appeared before a judge shortly after her arrest. Her bond was set at $250,000, and she remains in custody. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 22.
The Louisville Metro Police Department has not released further details at this time.
This deeply unsettling case highlights how domestic disputes can escalate into life-threatening violence. Thankfully, the victim acted quickly to save her own life — and no one else in the home was injured.
As the case moves forward in court, Addison Brown now faces the serious consequences of her alleged actions. The community, meanwhile, is left shaken by how close this fire came to turning deadly.
