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  • AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

    Authorities identify woman killed in Tempe house fire after deadly police shooting

    By Coleby Phillips, Arizona Republic,

    1 day ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0aaXbB_0udU961500

    Tempe police on Thursday identified a woman who died in a house fire last week that resulted from a deadly standoff between the U.S. Marshal's Service and a fugitive.

    Teresa Marie Alva, 37, was inside a Tempe residence that went up in flames on July 18 when 35-year-old Matt Walsh fled after exchanging gunfire with various Valley SWAT team members.

    Law enforcement officials had initially surrounded the home after finding Walsh, who had barricaded himself inside with at least five other occupants, police said.

    Four of the individuals complied with and were detained by police before being released, officials continued. Walsh and an unidentified woman remained inside as SWAT team members "worked diligently to negotiate a peaceful surrender," officials said.

    A short time later, Walsh began firing rounds at officers from inside the home, who also returned fire in response, officials said.

    According to police, Walsh, who was armed with a handgun, fled the scene and jumped a fence into a neighboring yard. He was struck by police gunfire and later died from his injuries, authorities said.

    Soon afterward, officials noticed smoke "billowing from the home" that Walsh had fled, and multiple fire agencies extinguished the flames that engulfed the residence.

    After a four-day investigation of the home, officials found Alva's body.

    The cause of the fire remains unknown.

    No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

    According to authorities, Walsh, who had "an extensive history of violence," was wanted by Chandler police on warrants for burglary, trafficking in stolen property and felony flight while being on active probation.

    The relationship between Walsh and Alva remains unclear. Officials said they continue to investigate the incident.

    This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Authorities identify woman killed in Tempe house fire after deadly police shooting

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