80-year-old woman found dead in Attleboro house fire was also robbed, beaten, DA says
ATTLEBORO - An Attleboro man is being held without bail, charged with burglary with assault, after an 80-year-old woman died in a fire.
In the early hours of November 18, firefighters responded to 30 Division Street for a fire that claimed the life of Judith Henriques.
Once the fire was extinguished, investigators found men's sneakers and alcohol nips they say belong to 42-year-old Adam Rollins. Rollins was arrested in Weymouth on Sunday.
Investigators said surveillance video shows Rollins wearing similar shoes found at the scene and buying nips at a nearby liquor store close to the Division Street house.
Prosecutors said the victim's family found personal items and jewelry totaling $1200 along the edge of the road.
"Also found with that jewelry was an ATM card in the name of Adam Rollins," a prosecutor said.
It's the same card investigators say was used at the liquor store the night of November 17. But the defense argues the items found weeks later, were planted.
"Other family members are there, evidence is found by the family members, turned over," Rollins' defense attorney said.
The cause and manner of Henriques' death is still under investigation as the medical examiner completes the autopsy.
"There was minimal amounts of soot in her lungs and a level of carbon monoxide in her blood which are inconsistent with Miss Henriques being alive at the time of the fire," a prosecutor said.
Rollins defense attorney said, "there are at least two or three other people who have motive and opportunity to do this."
The State Police arson unit found no evidence of an accelerant at the home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
There will be a dangerousness hearing for Adam Rollins at 2 p.m. on Friday.
