A jury in Florida has convicted a man of attempted manslaughter for trapping a former roommate inside a burning house on Christmas morning of 2023. The verdict against Jesus A. Hernandez was returned on October 30 after a three-day trial, State Attorney Alexcia Cox announced.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on December 25, 2023. Evidence presented showed that Hernandez had intentionally blocked the front door of the residence, preventing an occupant from escaping the fire and smoke.
The victim awoke to the smell of smoke, realized his home was ablaze, and tried to flee through the front door, only to find it barricaded. Intense heat prevented him from reaching the back door, forcing him back to the front where he desperately cried out for help.
Fortunately, neighbors heard the victim’s frantic shouts. They rushed to the home and successfully managed to open the blocked front door, pulling the man to safety just before firefighters arrived.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) probable cause affidavit, the victim told investigators that the fire could have claimed his life. An arson investigator later determined the fire was intentionally set and knew its point of origin. The report also noted that furniture was seen blocking the home’s rear door.
Investigators learned that the victim and Hernandez, who worked as a day laborer, had been living together since October with the understanding that Hernandez would help with expenses. The victim recounted receiving only one payment for rent.
On Christmas Eve, the victim reportedly approached Hernandez about bills and asked him to pay half of the electric bill. When Hernandez stated he had been fired, the victim informed him he would need to move out soon.
The defendant, Jesus Hernandez, acknowledged issues with the victim, indicating that bills were the reason for their problems and that he had been asked to move out. He also accused the victim of withholding over $600 that belonged to him.
Authorities were unable to locate Hernandez for six months until a deputy found him behind a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Boca Raton. He was initially booked on a count of attempted felony murder.
Assistant State Attorneys Samuel Farot and Kyley Brown prosecuted the case. The State Attorney’s Office extended its thanks to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation.
Hernandez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 17.
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