LAKEWOOD, COLORADO: In a devastating case that has shaken the Lakewood community in 2022, a 15-year-old boy has been sentenced this week for starting a fatal fire that led to the death of a woman named Kathleen Payton and her 10-year-old daughter.
According to a news release issued by the Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office, the teenager has been sentenced to seven years in the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Youth Services. The release issued on October 3 stated that the sentence includes 113 days of time already served.
What are the charges against the 15-year-old suspect?
On July 15, the 15-year-old pleaded guilty to several charges, including two counts of aggravated juvenile offender, two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree arson, and first-degree criminal attempt to commit murder.
Dispatchers responded to a structure fire on October 31, 2022, at approximately 4.15 am at the 32-unit Tiffany Square apartment building.
The fire resulted in the damage of 14 units, forcing all residents of the apartment to relocate, reports True Crime Daily.
10 people suffered injuries due to the fire
Officers of the Lakewood Police Department discovered Payton, 31, and her young daughter Jazmine Payton-Aguayo, 10, dead inside one of the apartment units.
Three of the ten people who suffered injuries from the fire were soon taken to the hospital.
Investigators determined that two suspects aged 14 and 12 at the time had intentionally set the fire.
On the night of October 30, the two young boys were reportedly kicked out from one of the units, according to the Denver Gazette.
According to witnesses, the suspect fled the building with the 14-year-old allegedly returning back with what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail or "some other incendiary."
Payton and her young child died from smoke inhalation. The 12-year-old suspect reportedly confessed to his grandmother that he caused the fire.
According to The Denver Gazette, both the suspects had criminal pasts. The younger one was previously charged with felony menacing and the 14-year-old had been a runaway and had been associated with a local Bloods gang.
On November 6, 2022, the two suspects were taken into custody by the Lakewood Police.
During the sentencing, the victims and their families were present. Many of them present at the court wore Jazmine's favorite colors, purple and pink.
A status hearing for the co-defendant who currently remains in custody is set to be held on October 16.
The names of the suspect have not been disclosed due to their ages.
