?A chemistry teacher is begging for police protection after a fire, believed to be maliciously set, destroyed her home at Pleasantville, early yesterday.
It happened just weeks after she got death threats. The fire occurred around 2 am at the home of Natalie Francois, 37, of Blitz Village, Pleasantville. In an interview at the scene of the fire yesterday, Francois said she was scared for her life. She said she and her 14-year-old son, Kadeem Gittens, were forced to flee from her house days ago because of the death threats.
Recalling the tragedy, Francois said she was asleep at her mother's home when a neighbour called her to say the house was on fire. When she got to the house, the entire building, as well as a work garage, was burnt down. Francois said the building was valued at $450,000. Standing amidst the charred ruins, Francois said: "Right now I want the police to find him because he threatened to kill me and my son. I know now that he means business."
She said prior to the fire, a man telephoned a friend to say Francois should prepare a will because her days were numbered. "He also told me that on Monday he getting a gun and that I should watch myself. He said he will burn down the house with me and my son in it," she added. Francois, who has seven brothers, claimed the man was not afraid of the consequences.
"He told me if he had to live on Frederick Street he will do so. He said I will have to run 24-7," she claimed. She called on the police to find the suspect and to provide protection for her. Francois said she teaches chemistry at the Pleasantville Secondary School but was unable to work because of the threats.
Fire prevention officers visited the scene yesterday and took samples for forensic testing. Officers said that they were searching for clues to verify whether the fire was maliciously set. Police officers also took statements from Francois. Investigations are continuing.
