A 14-year-old boy in Lehigh Acres, Florida, faces serious juvenile charges after allegedly setting fire to a home on January 3, 2026, while a family of four slept inside, admitting his intent was to kill a teenage friend living there. All occupants, including Namiry Enrique Alvarez and her relatives, escaped unharmed through a window despite flames blocking the front door and devices like an open propane tank and Molotov cocktail found at the scene.
Incident Details
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6 a.m. to the 300 block of Paisley Avenue, discovering arson evidence including a 5-gallon propane tank and flammable bottle near the entrance. Witnesses saw the suspect nearby, feigning concern before fleeing; he later confessed during arrest at his home to transporting the tank and igniting the blaze.
Charges and Aftermath
The teen faces four counts of attempted felony murder, arson, occupied burglary, making a destructive device, and weapons possession, then transferred to Department of Juvenile Justice detention. Victim Alvarez described ongoing trauma and sleeplessness, reliving the escape as smoke filled their home.
Official Response
Sheriff Carmine Marceno called the act horrifying, praising the unharmed outcome and swift arrest that removed the threat from streets. Bodycam footage captured the chaotic response, highlighting the propane tank and charred door.
