An Aurora woman who torched an apartment complex in an attempt to murder her ex-lover was sentenced Thursday to 45 years in prison.
Naomi Christine Almodovar, 24, started a fire on June 23, 2014, at the apartments, 6500 S. Dayton St. in Centennial, according to an Arapahoe County district attorney’s news release.
Almodovar pleaded guilty in August to counts of attempted first-degree murder extreme indifference and first-degree arson and three counts of violent crime, a sentence enhancer.
Fire investigators determined the fire was set intentionally in front of a second-floor door.
A woman who lived in the unit told investigators about breaking off a relationship with Almodovar and that Almodovar responded, in part, by the building.
Investigators also found a friend of Almodovar who said he was with her the night of the fire. They had stopped at a gas station and filled a container with gas, and he drove Almodovar to the apartment complex. She left the vehicle with the container and returned to the vehicle about 15 minutes later, according to the media release.
The fire injured eight people, gutted several units and caused more than $1 million damage. People jumped from third-story apartments to flee the flames and smoke.
“Many people could have died in that fire, and we cared for multiple victims, some with serious injuries,” South Metro Fire Rescue Chief Bob Baker said in the release. “We are pleased that they have received justice.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822
