Aurora woman accused of starting apartment fire that killed little boy

AURORA, Colo. (KKTV) - A woman is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly starting a fire that killed a 5-year-old boy.

Aurora police say 37-year-old Alondra Michel lit an item on fire during a fight early Monday morning with a resident on the first floor. The fire rapidly spread to the rest of the three-story building, trapping several tenants in their homes. The small boy, who lived on the second floor, was one of the residents rescued by firefighters from the building. He was transported along with two other residents but died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Six others were injured but able to be treated at the scene, the fire department said.

The blaze damaged 12 units and has displaced 31 residents. The complex is located off Evans Avenue near Chambers Road and Iliff Avenue.

“Despite the courageous and professional efforts of our members, our community has suffered a tragic loss and the entire Aurora Fire Rescue family is deeply saddened by this incident,” said Aurora Fire Rescue Chief Fernando Gray. “We are committed to providing any and all assistance to those impacted and displaced by this fire and especially to those who are grieving today.”

Michel was arrested Monday afternoon and faces charges of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and first-degree arson.

Detectives say the initial incident between Michel and the first-floor resident was a domestic violence episode but did not elaborate further.

The little boy has not been identified at this time.

“It’s heartbreaking,” a neighbor told 11 News sister station CBS Denver. “No family should ever have to lose a child, let alone in a fire, unexpected, and my heart just goes out to them. It reminds you that it just takes five minutes for something to go wrong.”

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