Detroit Police Find Two Bodies at Scene of Suspected Arson

April 10, 2013
by The Schwartz Law Group

Police announced earlier this month that they found two bodies, that of a man and a woman, amid the destruction at the site of a Detroit medical facility that was burned to the ground. According to reports, shots were fired shortly before the building was burned to the ground.

While authorities have not revealed the identity of the bodies, one woman believes the female body may be her daughter, who has been missing since the day of the blaze. The current theory behind the alleged crime, is that the young woman was taken hostage by the ex-maintenance man, with whom she had recently broke off a relationship, and that the man started the fire, which may have killed them both.

Detroit arson and crime scene unit investigators started sifting through the rubble of what used to be the Park Medical Plaza on Grand River and Virginia Park on Tuesday afternoon, when they recovered the bodies suspected to be the medical assistant involved in a troubled relationship with the facility’s ex-maintenance man.

The woman had apparently gotten a protection order and taken other steps to protect herself from the man before the fire took place.

The crime of arson is treated very seriously under Michigan Law. There are four different degrees of punishment regarding arson committed against real property, and separate punishment for arson against personal property.

For example, arson that is committed in a multi-unit dwelling building, such as an apartment complex, whether or not anyone is present inside the complex, or arson committed against a building that results in personal injury, is considered first degree arson. It is a felony and, if convicted, a person could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Third degree arson, which is committed against a building that is not a dwelling, is considered a felony and, if convicted, an individual could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.

An attorney can mean the difference in which crime you are charged with, and whether a plea deal would be in your best interests in order to avoid jail time. Whatever the case, you’ll want someone you can know for certain is on your side.

If you have been accused of or charged with arson, you should contact an experienced Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Office of Steven L. Schwartz, we have more than 25 years of experience defending people accused of theft and various other crimes in Oakland County and the surrounding areas of Michigan. Let our dedicated attorneys help you avoid jail, fines and a criminal record. Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation. You can reach us by calling (248) 266-8720 or through our website.

Two Detroit Area Men Believed to be Part of Crime Ring Face Numerous Theft Charges, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 27, 2013.
Mayor Announces Plan to Fight Crime: DETRO1T ONE, Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published March 20, 2013.