SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Two people whose bodies were discovered following a fire last week at a city-run elderly housing complex died of stab wounds, not the fire, authorities said Monday.

The bodies of Edelmira Miranda, 67, and Milagros Rosario, 69, were found Friday morning after a fire gutted their apartment at the Carpe Diem Homes complex.

Hampden District Attorney William Bennett said autopsies determined that both died of stab wounds, and authorities believe the fire was set after the two were killed.

“The fire had nothing to do with their deaths,” Bennett said at a news conference.

Bennett said authorities are investigating a possible connection between the killings and the robbery of a supermarket that occurred about an hour before the fire. The complex is located about a quarter mile from the Big Y supermarket that was robbed at about 8 a.m. Friday.

A man who police said was seen running from the store was arrested Saturday. Brian Cavitt, 23, of Springfield, was charged with armed robbery while masked, assault by means of a dangerous weapon, and carjacking, for allegedly attempting to steal a car after the robbery.

-Associated Press