WHEATON, Md. - Police in Montgomery County (web|news) have arrested three individuals for allegedly killing an elderly woman in her Wheaton home and then setting fire to her residence in an attempt to cover it up.

Thirty-seven-year-old Jose Antonio Alvarado, his wife, 33-year-old Ana L. Rodas, and his cousin, 32-year-old Ramon Alberto Alvarado, all of the 12300 block of Downer Drive in Wheaton, have been charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree arson.

It is alleged that Jose Antonio Alvarado, who had done yard work at the residence of the deceased for two years, tampered with payment checks received for the work in order to increase their value. Police believe Alvarado then conspired with his his wife and cousin to kill 83-year-old Lila Meizell in order to prevent her from finding out.

Neighbors said Meizell lived alone in the 10500 block of Inwood Avenue. The medical examiner's office has ruled Meizell's death a homicide. The manner of death was ruled as blunt force trauma, burns and smoke inhalation.

"Its awful that somebody would take advantage of somebody's kindness," said Ken Fraser, a neighbor of Meizell's.

ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 reporter Johnny Gonzalez spoke with a relative of the defendants who cannot understand why his loved one would plan such an evil scheme.

"He has to pay with harsh punishment....if he did this, he has to pay," said Jose Alvarado, a cousin of the defendants.

Meizell's burnt-out home is now decorated with messages and pictures as close friends held a poignant candle light vigil Saturday night following news of the arrests. In fact, many of them say they planned on spending Thanksgiving at the home.

It all started when neighbors of the elderly woman called 911 Wednesday night after spotting smoke coming from her home about 8 p.m.

Ramon Alberto Alvarado, 32, arrested for murder, arson

Ana L. Rodas, 33, arrested for murder, arson

Jose Antonio Alvarado, 37, arrested for murder, arson

First responders on the scene say they had trouble getting into the house; one neighbor helped police break down the door. Once inside, they made a gruesome discovery: Meizell's severely burned body lying on the floor.

The fire was brought under control in 15 minutes. A firefighter and two police officers suffered minor injures as a result of the fire.

The two police officers were taken the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. One firefighter suffered a cut to his hand.

A preliminary hearing will take place on December 16th for Rodas. Hearings for the other suspects have yet to be scheduled.