A Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison after setting fire to a home over an unpaid drug debt, killing a woman who was not the intended target.
Texas Man Convicted in Deadly House Fire
Courtney Allen Thompson Jr., 22, was convicted of capital murder in the death of 55-year-old Renita Hawthorne in Galveston, Texas.
According to prosecutors, the fire happened in February 2024 at a home on 39th Street. Firefighters rescued three people from the burning house, including two children, but Hawthorne could not be saved.
Authorities said she died from carbon monoxide poisoning and burn injuries.
Fire Linked to Drug Debt Threats
Investigators said Hawthorne’s son had been receiving threats from a drug dealer, Xavier Faison, over an unpaid debt.
Court records showed threatening messages were sent before the fire, including warnings mentioning Hawthorne and her truck.
Police later used surveillance footage showing a black SUV near the home. Two men were seen getting out of the vehicle, including one carrying a gas can, shortly before the fire started.
Prosecutors said Thompson poured gasoline around the home’s entry points, trapping the people inside.
Prosecutors Say Attack Was Intentional
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the fire was deliberately set to kill everyone inside the house.
Jurors also heard testimony from a jailhouse informant who claimed Thompson admitted to starting the fire and bragged about the crime.
Authorities said Faison was never charged in the case, though prosecutors claimed he later bragged about the fire in an Instagram video.
Victim Remembered After Tragic Death
Renita Hawthorne was described as an innocent victim who died because of a dispute involving her son.
Thompson was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the deadly arson attack.
