Charges Filed Against Lakewood Arson Suspect
GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- The Jefferson County District Attorney has formally charged the man accused of intentionally setting fire to a duplex in Lakewood last week.
Jefferson County DA Pete Weir filed 35 counts against Christopher Magana on Tuesday, alleging that he set a fire that displaced 14 people in Lakewood. Of those 14, nine are children.
Magana, 27, has been charged with 14 counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree arson, several other arson charges and criminal mischief.
The fire started early April 12 at a home at 5600 West 5th Avenue. When firefighters arrived, the front of the duplex was fully engulfed in flames, as was a vehicle parked in front of the building.
Magana's ex-girlfriend believes she was the target of the attack. According to police records, Magana started the first under the gas tank and engine of the woman's car. That woman told police about a string of threatening texts just before the fire started.
In February, police were called to Magana's home after an incident where he allegedly threatened her and struck her several times. Domestic violence charges were not filed in connection with that incident.
Neighbors raced to help the families trapped by the flames, handing children over a fence to safety.
Magana was arrested later the same day. He remains in custody on $500,000 bond.