Denver prosecutors have formally leveled 13 felony counts against a man late last month.
, 57, is accused of one count of first-degree arson and 12 counts of fourth-degree arson in the March 27 blaze on the 2600 block of Federal Boulevard.
The city’s district attorney’s office announced the charges Monday.
Investigators used surveillance video to identify Shepard as a suspect in the fire, which sent 11 people to the hospital, authorities say. Two people were critically injured in the blaze.
Shepard was seen going into the Federal View Apartments near the intersection of 26th Avenue and Federal Boulevard just before the blaze began, according to probable cause affidavit. He was wearing a bathrobe and sheet on his head, the affidavit said.
“After the fire was started, the same person is seen walking (away),” said the affidavit.
Residents were forced to jump from the apartment building’s third and top floor to escape flames and smoke. Children were dropped from the upper floors into the arms of people below.
Officials have not released a motive in the blaze.
Shepard remains in custody at Denver’s downtown jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. He is next due in court Wednesday to be formally advised of the charges against him.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
