Milwaukee man faces homicide allegations after pregnant woman found dead in bedroom fire near 26th Street

Charges follow January house fire and death investigation

A Milwaukee man has been charged in connection with the death of a pregnant woman who was found unresponsive inside a burning bedroom after a late-night incident on the city’s northwest side.

The case stems from a response by police and firefighters to a residence near North 26th Street and West Locust Street late on January 5, 2026. Authorities were initially dispatched for a report involving a person with a weapon. When officers arrived, they reported seeing flames on the second floor and began clearing the home as firefighters were notified and residents evacuated.

What investigators say happened inside the home

In court filings, investigators alleged the woman—identified as Gladys Johnson-Ball—was found unconscious in a bedroom that was on fire. She was brought outside and pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators documented bruising and other injuries on her body, along with blood around her face, as described in the criminal complaint.

Family members told investigators they had been unable to reach Johnson-Ball for much of the day and said the defendant would not allow others into the bedroom. The complaint also alleges a firearm was displayed and pointed at family members during a confrontation shortly before the fire began.

• Police reported the fire was located in or near a closet area within the bedroom.

• Investigators stated there was no obvious accidental ignition source identified in the area of origin.

• The complaint references items and ammunition associated with a .22-caliber firearm being found in the closet area.

Arrest and court proceedings

Authorities said the suspect, identified as Cameron C. Washington, was seen leaving the area and was arrested a short time later after officers followed a city bus route and detained him near North 27th Street and West Townsend Street. Court records state a lighter was recovered from his pocket during the arrest.

Washington initially faced arson and reckless endangerment charges tied to the fire and the presence of other occupants in the home at the time. Prosecutors later indicated the investigation developed into a homicide case after medical findings were completed.

Medical findings and pregnancy confirmed

Prosecutors stated an autopsy determined Johnson-Ball died from asphyxia and that the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The complaint also states she was pregnant at the time of her death and was the mother of Washington’s 3-year-old daughter.

The investigation remains centered on the sequence of events leading from the reported weapon confrontation to the ignition of the bedroom fire and the woman’s death.

What comes next

Washington’s case is proceeding in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Bond was set at $100,000 at an earlier hearing, and additional court dates were scheduled in January as prosecutors moved forward with the charging decision following the medical examiner’s determination.