Two juvenile suspects in deadly Lakewood apartment fire charged with murder, arson

Two juvenile suspects, ages 12 and 14, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection to a fire at a Lakewood apartment complex.

Two victims, 31-year-old Kathleen Payton and her 10-year-old daughter Jazmine Payton-Aguayo, died in the Oct. 31 fire at the Tiffany Square apartments.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday announced the formal filing of charges in the case, including two counts of first-degree murder — extreme indifference, against each suspect.

Ten people were injured in the fire, and residents of 32 units in the complex were displaced.

The suspects, both males, have also been charged with 39 counts of attempt to commit first-degree murder – extreme indifference, 15 counts of first-degree arson, and one count of felony criminal mischief. There are 42 aggravated juvenile offender sentence enhancers.

The suspects, who are being charged as juveniles, were arrested by Lakewood police on Sunday and they remain in custody without bond. An arraignment hearing is scheduled on Monday.

 

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