Woman charged with murder over setting LaFayette Fire

LAFAYETTE, Georgia (WDEF) – A LaFayette woman is now behind bars after police say she intentionally set a fire at her apartment complex that killed a 19-year-old girl.

29-year-old Shennia Chambers is charged with first degree arson and murder in the death of 19-year-old Sierra Johnson.

The fire happened Saturday night around 11 PM.

Officials commended responders.

They believe their efforts prevented the tragedy from being even worse.

City Public Safety Director Ashley Meeks told us “It was a combined effort. The police officers on scene started the evacuation processof the first and second floor, while the firefighters were able to go and start doing the job of searching for victims on the third floor. And, if it wasn’t for that coordinated effort, I think there would have been a lot more casualties involved.”

One person was able to get out safely.

Residents in the eight other apartments in the building are displaced.