The man accused of arson in was ordered held on $500,000 cash bail Wednesday during his first appearance in the case before a Jefferson County judge.
Christopher Magana, 27, of Aurora, was arrested of suspicion of 10 counts, including attempted first-degree murder, criminal mischief and domestic violence.
Pam Russell, spokeswoman for the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, said formal charges in the case have not been filed. Magana is being held at the Jefferson County jail.
The early Tuesday fire forced the evacuation of 14 people from the duplex, including nine children.
Magana was identified as a suspect after his on-again, off-again girlfriend, who lived in the building, told investigators she believed him to be responsible, according to an arrest affidavit.
The woman told investigators Magana previously had used fire during their confrontations, once burning paper currency in front of her during an argument, the affidavit said.
Magana admitted to investigators that he had been at the duplex before the blaze broke out but denied setting it, police said.
The fire started Tuesday in a car outside the duplex at about 3 a.m. on the 5600 block of West 5th Avenue before spreading to the building itself.
Magana’s sometimes-girlfriend told investigators he had threatened to damage her vehicle. Police identified the car where the fire began — a Dodge Charger — as hers.
One unit of the duplex was severely burned, but the other was virtually untouched despite some smoke and roof damage.
Magana, who was arrested in Aurora, is due back in court Tuesday morning where he is set to be advised of any formal charges that could be leveled against him.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or @JesseAPaul
