@newcreationsnc: MURDER CHARGE: In Clinton, a woman is charged with murder in her mother's death after a house fire, police say. CONFIRMED: Diane Lambert, 65, was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 7, by Clinton police and charged with murder, first-degree arson and felony cruelty to animals, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation says. Firefighters responded to a house fire in the 1000 block of Bradshaw Street in Clinton around 8:47 p.m. on Sept. 9, found heavy smoke and flames, and carried an unconscious occupant out. Mozzelle Register Hope, 88, died Thursday, Sept. 10, at UNC-Chapel Hill, according to her obituary; the SBI says detectives learned on Sept. 11 that she had died of her injuries. Hope's obituary lists Lambert as her daughter (WRAL). Lambert is held without bond at the Sampson County Detention Center and is due in court Thursday. POLICE SAY / ALLEGED: According to court documents, Lambert knew a dog was also inside the home with no way to get out (WRAL). Lambert is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. STILL UNKNOWN: Authorities have not released what investigators believe led to the fire, how Hope's death happened beyond the charges, or more details on the animal cruelty charge. The SBI, Clinton police and the Sampson County Fire Marshal's Office are still investigating. Source: Clinton Police Department, N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (via WRAL, WWAY) Tips: Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clinton Police Department or the Sampson County Fire Marshal's Office. Voice: Pocket TTS (Kyutai) Follow Triangle Local (@newcreationsnc) for the confirmed update. #TriangleLocal #ClintonNC #SampsonCounty #Arson #NCNews #CrimeNews

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Thursday 08 October 2026 11:22:24 GMT