On June 16, 2023, Alondra Michel, 39, was sentenced to 42 years in the Department of Corrections for starting a deadly fire in January of last year.
Around 1:30 a.m. on January 24, 2022, Aurora Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex on E. Evans Avenue. Firefighters quickly determined the blaze was intentionally set. The investigation revealed Michel lit a blanket on fire inside a ground-level apartment following a disagreement with her boyfriend over text messages with other women on his phone.
During the evacuation of tenants, firefighters found Abner Salmeron-Bautista, 5, on a bed in a second-floor apartment. He was rushed to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Alondra pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder and three counts of 1st Degree Arson.
“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for the safety of all tenants living in that complex,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Ann Tomsic said. “We hope this lengthy prison sentence can bring some closure to Abner’s family and the other tenants who were temporarily displaced at no fault of their own.”
After her prison sentence, Michel will be placed on parole for 5 years.
“This defendant made a terrible and reckless decision to start a fire in a complex in the middle of the night when most tenants were likely asleep,” District Attorney John Kellner said. “I praise the firefighters who arrived on-scene and immediately worked to evacuate three floors in the complex. While it’s a miracle more people weren’t seriously injured or killed, my heart goes out to Abner’s family.”