A Maryland man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he threatened to kill his girlfriend, told her he would force her to eat the ashes of her deceased son, and then intentionally set her home on fire while she and her pets were still inside.
According to authorities, Carmello S. Latorre has been charged with attempted murder, arson, and assault following the incident in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Firefighters Respond to Residential Fire
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department said firefighters were dispatched at approximately 12:30 p.m. on July 21 to a house fire in the 1200 block of Aster Drive in Glen Burnie, a community near Baltimore.
After extinguishing the blaze, fire investigators concluded that the fire had been intentionally set, leading to a criminal investigation.
Victim Recorded Part of the Argument
According to an arrest warrant obtained by local media, the victim recorded part of the confrontation she had with Latorre before the fire.
Investigators allege that Latorre was intoxicated during the argument. The arrest affidavit states that he began breaking items inside the home and throwing feces at his girlfriend.
Police also allege that he threatened to make the victim eat the ashes of her deceased son during the confrontation.
Allegedly Threatened to Burn Down the House
According to investigators, Latorre made several threats before leaving the residence.
Police say he allegedly stated:
“I’m getting out of here. I’m going to burn it to the ground.”
He then allegedly warned the victim:
“You’re going to die in this house.”
Authorities believe those statements were made shortly before the fire was started.
Fire Allegedly Started Using Gas Stove
Investigators allege that Latorre intentionally ignited the fire using the home’s gas stove before leaving the residence.
At the time, his girlfriend and her pets were still inside the house.
The victim immediately called 911 and was able to escape safely with the animals before the fire spread further.
Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze before it could consume the home.
Neighbor Describes Frightening Scene
A nearby resident told local television station WBZ that he saw flames coming from the roof of the house.
“I saw a lot of flames coming from my neighbor’s house on the top of the roof,” the neighbor said.
He added that the fire could easily have spread to nearby homes, putting many more people at risk.
“It’s really sad to know that this person, I think, was being selfish because my house could have also caught on fire and a lot of people would have suffered from that type of act,” he told the station.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Following the investigation, authorities arrested Latorre.
He is currently being held in the Anne Arundel County Jail without bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 18.
The criminal case remains under investigation. The allegations against Latorre have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
