A deadly house fire in New York has ended with a life sentence, bringing some sense of justice to a grieving family but leaving deep emotional scars that may never heal. What began as a domestic argument turned into a horrific crime that claimed the life of an innocent woman and shocked the local community.
Man Sentenced to Life for Deadly Arson
Anthony Green, 60, of Onondaga County, New York, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury convicted him in December 2025 on one count of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, and one count of arson.
On Tuesday, Syracuse City Court Judge Mary Anne Doherty handed down the sentence, making it clear that Green will never walk free again. She strongly criticised his actions during the hearing, calling them “so evil it defies logic” and stating that such a person should never be allowed back into society.
The case centres around a tragic fire that occurred in June 2024 at a two-family home on South Avenue in Syracuse. The blaze killed 34-year-old Shaquoiya Allison, an innocent neighbour who had no part in the conflict that led to the incident.
What Happened on the Night of the Fire
According to reports, the fire started around 11 p.m. Earlier that day, Anthony Green had been involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend, Lorraine Green. The dispute became serious enough that police were called to the home for a domestic incident.
At the time the fire began, Anthony Green was sitting on the front porch. Upstairs, five people were inside the home, including Lorraine Green, who was attending a small gathering with friends.
Prosecutors believe the attack was planned. They argued that Green’s real target was Lorraine, not Shaquoiya Allison. Lorraine wears a prosthetic leg, and prosecutors suggested Green may have assumed she would have removed it late at night, making it harder for her to escape the fire.
Tragically, it was Allison who lost her life. She was asleep in a back room when the fire spread. Her death was later ruled a homicide caused by smoke inhalation.
Surveillance Footage Raised Serious Questions
One of the most damaging pieces of evidence shown to the jury was surveillance footage from the area. The video reportedly shows Anthony Green walking calmly away from the house as flames become visible through the windows and begin climbing the walls.
Instead of reacting with panic, he was seen heading to a nearby corner shop to buy cigarettes. Prosecutor Rob Moran told the jury, “The only person who walks away from a fire completely unbothered is the person who set it.”
Even more disturbing, the footage later shows Green returning to the area and sitting in an empty lot across the street, smoking while watching the home burn.
Prosecutors also alleged that Green may have used an accelerant to make the fire spread faster. Court documents further claim that he later admitted responsibility for the fire to another person.
Defense Denied He Started the Fire
Green’s defense team argued there was no direct evidence proving he started the fire. They pointed out that investigators never officially determined the exact cause of the blaze. However, prosecutors maintained that his behaviour before and after the incident, along with the history of domestic conflict, was enough to prove guilt.
In the end, the jury agreed with the prosecution and returned guilty verdicts on all major charges.
A Life Remembered: Who Was Shaquoiya Allison
Shaquoiya Allison was remembered in court as a caring and selfless person. Her mother gave an emotional statement during sentencing, saying their family had been completely shattered by the loss.
Allison worked as a caregiver with two different organisations in the Syracuse area. Her obituary described her as loving, kind, and deeply committed to helping others. Those who knew her said she always put other people’s needs before her own.
Her death has left a painful void in the lives of her family, friends, and the people she cared for every day.
Green Plans to Appeal
Despite the conviction and strong statements from the judge, Anthony Green continues to claim he is innocent. His defence attorney has confirmed that he plans to appeal both the conviction and the life sentence.
For now, however, the court’s decision stands: Green will spend the rest of his life in prison.
