A man will spend 15 years in prison after being convicted of starting a fire at a Mesa apartment complex that seriously injured a man last year.
Lyle Terrence Samuel pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder and one act of arson against an occupied structure, both crimes.
Samuel caused a fire at the Harris Place apartments in August 2024, near Gilbert Road and Main Street. Samuel allegedly set fire to the victim’s residence, alleging he owed him $300.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Samuel sprayed the victim’s apartment’s front door with gasoline and set it on fire.
The fire had blocked the only exit, forcing the sufferer to jump through a window to escape.
The victim was hospitalized for about a month due to serious burns and injuries on his face and torso.
“This fire could’ve had catastrophic consequences. Innocent families and children were recklessly put at risk over a few hundred dollars. Thankfully, the quick action of the Mesa Fire and Police Departments ensured that no one else was hurt,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Arson is tough to prosecute, but thanks to prosecutors like Jonathan Hutcheson, offenders like these are held accountable.”
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