Woman charged with homicide, arson after fatal fire in Olean

OLEAN, N.Y. — A woman is facing homicide and arson charges after a fire tore through a North Ninth Street apartment building Monday evening, claiming the life of a 76-year-old resident, authorities said.

Diane M. Casciani, 42, has been charged with second-degree arson, criminally negligent homicide, and first-degree reckless endangerment in connection with the fatal blaze.

The Olean Police Department announced the charges Tuesday morning following a joint investigation with the City of Olean Fire Department’s fire investigators.

The fire broke out at approximately 5:31 p.m. on Monday, June 24, 2025, at 137 N. Ninth St. First responders arrived to find smoke billowing from the second-floor windows of the two-story building.

Fire crews were informed that a resident was still inside the upper apartment. They entered the smoke-filled residence and discovered the body of Carole Landrau, 76.

Investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set. According to police, Casciani had been staying in Landrau’s apartment at the time of the incident.

A male resident in the building sustained burn injuries and was treated at Olean General Hospital before being released. Additionally, one firefighter was treated at the scene for overexertion as crews battled the blaze in the late-June heat.

Casciani was taken into custody and is being held at the Cattaraugus County Jail. She is awaiting further court proceedings.

The investigation into the fire is ongoing.