> At a Glance
> – A 14-year-old is accused of setting a house fire while a family of four slept inside
> – Deputies found an open 5-gallon propane tank and a homemade Molotov cocktail at the scene
> – The teen allegedly admitted he was trying to kill his teenage friend
> – Why it matters: The incident highlights extreme juvenile violence and the devastating potential of simple household items turned into weapons
A 14-year-old Florida boy allegedly tried to burn down a house with his friend’s family inside, using a propane tank and a Molotov cocktail, in a murder plot that has shocked investigators.
The Fire
Lehigh Acres emergency crews responded to the 300 Block of Paisley Avenue around 6 a.m. on Jan. 3. When they arrived, deputies found an open 5-gallon propane tank near the front door and a homemade Molotov cocktail inside the home.
The Escape
Four occupants inside the home were able to escape through a window and were not injured. The fire had blocked the front door, forcing them to find another way out.
The Investigation
Multiple witnesses told authorities the suspect was parked down the street and briefly made contact with the victims, asking what had happened before leaving the area.
The Arrest
Deputies arrested the 14-year-old at his home, where he allegedly admitted to transporting the propane tank, using a gas-filled bottle to ignite the fire, and attempting to kill an occupant inside the Paisley Avenue home.
The Charges
The teen faces four counts of attempted felony murder, arson, occupied burglary, making a destructive device, and possession or use of a weapon. He has been released to the Department of Juvenile Justice for secure detention.
The Impact
Namiry Enrique Alvarez, who was in the home with three family members at the time of the fire, described the incident as traumatic. “Even now, two days later, I still can’t sleep, and neither can they because you relive everything that happened, and you’re afraid it’s going to happen again, which keeps you from sleeping,” she said through a translator.
Key Takeaways
- A 14-year-old allegedly used household items to attempt mass murder
> – The family escaped unharmed through a window
> – The teen faces serious charges including attempted murder and arson
> – The incident highlights extreme juvenile violence
The case underscores the devastating potential of simple items turned into weapons and the chilling escalation of juvenile violence.
