Daughters of suspect in fatal fire ‘heartbroken’ for victim’s family

HARRISON TWP. — The daughters of a man accused of setting a fire to a home that led to a man’s death on Sunday say they are “heartbroken” for the victim’s family.

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The 75-year-old man, Gerald Manns, was pulled from the basement of his Merrimac Avenue home by fire crews but later died at Miami Valley Hospital.

Two people remain behind bars at the Montgomery County Jail: Shawn Albertson, 48, and his girlfriend, Nancy Dalton, 36. Both were booked on suspicion of aggravated arson and murder charges in connection to Manns’ death.

Albertson’s daughters said they have been estranged from their father for nearly five years. They said they were shocked when he showed up unexpectedly on their doorstep two weeks ago. And even more stunned when they learned he was accused in Sunday’s fatal fire.

“I just honestly felt disgusted,” said 19-year-old Shawna Albertson, named for her father.

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She and her sister, Sierra, said their dad became addicted to a prescription pain pill, and then it progressed to stronger drugs. Until a couple weeks ago, they hadn’t seen him since he walked out on the family, they said.

“He kind of just randomly showed up,” Sierra Albertson said.

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As for their father, should he be convicted as charged ...

“I would want him to stay in jail forever  ... That’s my feelings,” Shawna Albertson said. “I think he should get what he deserves.”

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