AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Update 5:45 p.m. Police have arrested a woman in a deadly Aurora apartment fire that killed a 5-year-old Monday morning.
According to the Aurora Police Department, 37-year-old Alondra Michel was arrested on a count of first-degree murder. She also faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder and a count of first-degree arson, with more charges expected.
“Early information obtained in the investigation is that Alondra was involved in a domestic violence incident with a resident on the main level of the apartment building,” Aurora Police said in a statement. “Alondra intentionally set something inside of the apartment on fire, which quickly spread to adjacent units, including the second story apartment where the 5-year-old was found.”
Police said “numerous witnesses” and “physical evidence from the scene” helped them “positively” identify Michel. A booking photo was not immediately available.
Earlier: Investigators with the Aurora Police Major Crimes Unit and fire investigators from Aurora Fire Rescue are trying to determine what caused a fire at an apartment complex at 15320 E. Evans Ave.
Around 1:30 a.m., Aurora police and firefighters arrived at a three-story apartment building engulfed in flames.
When first responders searched the building, they found a 5-year-old boy, who was then transported to a hospital. He died a short time later.
Officials are not providing any other information about the child, but they are interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence on scene.
Police are asking anyone who may have observed anything suspicious or has information about this case to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.