Detroit Man Charged With Murder, Arson In Fire That Killed 5 People
DETROIT (WWJ) - A Detroit man has been charged in an apartment fire that killed five people.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said 55-year-old Henry Keith Johnson was arraigned Friday on five counts of first degree murder and five counts of arson in connection with the fire Wednesday afternoon, in the 10500 block of Whittier in Detroit.
Worthy said the five male victims, whose names have not yet been released, lived in the building where Johnson was also a resident. Several additional people suffered from burns and smoke inhalation.
Fire investigators said the fire the suspect may have been arguing with his landlord prior to intentionally setting the fire. Authorities at the scene told WWJ that the day's strong winds made the fire difficult to put out.
Following a brief appearance in 36th District Court Friday afternoon, Johnson was remanded into custody at the Wayne County Jail to await his next court date.
Note: This story has been updated to show the defendant's correct last name.