Clinton woman charged with murder, arson after fatal house fire

CLINTON, NC (WWAY) — A Clinton woman has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a September house fire that later became a fatal fire investigation.

The Clinton Police Department arrested Diane Lambert on Wednesday morning, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Lambert is charged with murder, first-degree arson and felony cruelty to animals.

She is being held at the Sampson County Detention Center without bond, according to the SBI.

Clinton police officers and firefighters initially responded to a home in the 1000 block of Bradshaw Street around 8:47 p.m. on Sept. 9.

First responders found heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-family home.

Firefighters entered the house to search for anyone trapped inside and found an unconscious occupant, according to the SBI. Firefighters carried the person from the home, and medics provided treatment at the scene before taking the person to a hospital.

On Sept. 11, detectives learned the occupant, identified as Mozzelle Register Hope, had died from her injuries.

The case then became a fatal fire investigation, and Clinton police requested assistance from the SBI.

The SBI, Clinton Police Department and Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing to investigate.

Authorities have not released additional information about what investigators believe led to the fire or the circumstances surrounding the cruelty to animals charge.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Clinton Police Department or Sampson County Fire Marshal’s Office.