A Dorchester lady who allegedly lit a “haunted” home on fireplace, saying the “devil” made her do it, has been discovered not competent to face trial.
Nikia Rivera, 45, appeared in Dorchester courtroom on Friday after being evaluated at Worcester Recover Center and Hospital because the late December two-alarm blaze at 74 Mora St. The heavy fireplace led to Boston firefighters rescuing a number of residents from the Dorchester triple decker.
Rivera was discovered not competent to face trial, and she is going to proceed to be dedicated on the Department of Mental Health facility in Worcester. She has been charged with arson of a dwelling, in response to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
“I’m sorry, I had to do it,” Rivera informed a witness to the fireplace, who relayed the dialog to Boston law enforcement officials.
Rivera then left the scene on foot.
Officers later caught up with Rivera, and she or he informed them, “I had to do it. That house is haunted. I lit the house on fire.”
She additional informed reserving officers, “The devil made me do it. There are ghosts in my house.”
Rivera will return to Dorchester courtroom on Feb. 14.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”