Man Charged With Arson Gets New Attorney
DENVER (CBS4) - A man accused of starting a fire that injured 11 people at an apartment building in March appeared in court on Thursday but his arraignment was continued.
Kenneth Shepard, 57, has been charged with one count of first-degree arson and 12 counts of fourth-degree arson for the fire at Federal View Apartments in the 2600 block of Federal Boulevard on March 27.
The last time Shepard appeared in court he covered his face and insisted that he represent himself.
On Thursday, he was appointed counsel after he developed a rapport with a public defender while behind bars. His arraignment was pushed back to Aug. 22 so his new counsel can have time to investigate the case.
The fire left 11 people injured. The building remains uninhabitable because of concerns with asbestos.
Court documents state Shepard is seen on surveillance video outside Federal View Apartments before the fire started with a cloth over his head. After the flames broke out he was also seen on the video leaving the building, again covering his head.
Shepard has a lengthy criminal record and remains in custody.