Deadly Pizza Shop Arson: Two Convicted in Tragic Firefighter Death Case

Court News

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Philadelphia men, Al-Ashraf Khalil, 31, and Isaam Jaghama, 31, have been found guilty of their roles in a deliberately set fire that ended in tragedy. A federal jury convicted Khalil and Jaghama on November 21, 2024, for the June 18, 2022, arson at a Fairhill pizza shop that claimed the life of Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant Sean Williamson and injured five other first responders when the building collapsed.

The jury determined that both men conspired to commit malicious arson of the mixed-use building at 300 West Indiana Avenue, a property owned by Khalil. Khalil was also convicted of wire fraud for attempting to profit from the fire through a fraudulent insurance claim. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Khalil, motivated by financial gain, enlisted Jaghama to help set the fire, which destroyed the building housing both apartments and the pizza shop. Prosecutors highlighted Khalil’s actions on the day of the fire, including authorizing an insurance adjuster to file a claim exceeding $400,000.

Khalil now faces a mandatory minimum of 17 years in prison, with the possibility of life, while Jaghama faces a minimum of seven years and a maximum of life imprisonment. Sentencing will follow in accordance with federal guidelines.

“This fire wasn’t an accident or act of God,” stated United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “But for these defendants, it never would have started, the building would still stand, and Lt. Williamson would still be with his family — a wholly preventable tragedy, sparked by greed.” She emphasized that while the convictions cannot undo the loss of life, they deliver justice for the Williamson family and first responders affected by this devastation.

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The arson also put other lives at risk. Families residing in the apartments had to flee for safety, and four responders were trapped under the rubble following the building’s collapse. Lieutenant Williamson, a 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department, tragically lost his life in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.

Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Office, highlighted the extensive damage caused by the defendants’ actions. “Arson is a dangerous, deadly crime,” he said. “Two families with children had to run for their lives, four responders were buried alive, and a firefighter was killed.” DeGree praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in bringing Khalil and Jaghama to justice.

The investigation was led by the ATF Philadelphia Arson & Explosives Task Force and the ATF National Response Team, with critical support from the Philadelphia Fire Department, the Philadelphia Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Philadelphia Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Service also played a pivotal role, assisting in the apprehension of Khalil after he fled the country.

“The Philadelphia Fire Department will forever mourn the loss of Lieutenant Sean Williamson,” said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson. “We thank the United States Attorney and Justice Department for their diligence in bringing these men to justice. Our fervent hope is that this verdict will bring even a small amount of closure to Lt. Williamson’s family, both at home and in the PFD.”

The convictions of Khalil and Jaghama stand as a stark reminder of the consequences of such reckless crimes. This case not only holds the perpetrators accountable but also honors the memory of Lieutenant Sean Williamson and the heroic efforts of all first responders who risk their lives to protect others.

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