A 68-year-old woman from Louisville, Kentucky, is facing multiple charges after allegedly setting her apartment building on fire because she was facing eviction.
The incident occurred on March 14 in northeast Louisville, where Elizabeth H. Radmacher was arrested on charges of arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Details of the Fire and Arrest
At around 3 a.m., Radmacher reportedly set fire to her bedroom in a multi-unit apartment building on Tazwell Drive. According to authorities, she intentionally started the blaze and then left the building, allowing the fire to spread.
As the flames grew higher, other residents were forced to evacuate for their safety. Law enforcement officials and witnesses reported hearing Radmacher say, “I’m going to kill everybody” and claim that someone else had made her start the fire.
Radmacher was reportedly in the process of being evicted at the time of the incident, which may have motivated her actions.
Danger to Other Residents
The fire created a significant danger to other residents, including a family living above Radmacher’s unit. According to authorities, around eight tenants were in the building at the time, and a neighbor reportedly went door-to-door warning others to evacuate.
In the end, $100,000 in damage was caused by the fire, but it was quickly contained by 29 firefighters from two departments, who worked for 19 minutes to put out the flames.
Despite the efforts to control the fire, two residents were displaced due to smoke and fire damage, while one person was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Charges and Court Appearance
Radmacher has been charged with arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief. She is currently being held at the Louisville Metro Corrections on a $50,000 bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 27.
