Pregnant woman was alive when her van was torched in Wales as a man faces a murder charge

A woman whose body was discovered inside a burning van in Wales was pregnant and still alive when the fire started, a judge said at a Friday hearing.

Samantha Natalie Phythian died in the blaze. The judge told the court that whoever lit the van did so while she was alive, which made the fire the cause of her death.

Murder charge

Thomas Bell, 38, is accused of murdering her. He joined the hearing by video link. Prosecutors told the court the two knew each other. Bell denies starting the fire.

Police said after the hearing that a second man had been detained over the death. The 47-year-old has not been named. Officers suspect him of conspiring to commit arson. He is also suspected of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Police also confirmed on Friday that Phythian was expecting a baby when she died.

What happened that night

Emergency crews were called Sunday at about 11:30 PM after reports that a vehicle was on fire close to an industrial estate and a retail park. Phythian was found inside.

Bell is due back in court in late November for a plea and case preparation hearing. A trial has been pencilled in for early April 2027. Neither man has been convicted of any crime.