'Burn motherf—er, burn': Evicted Daughter Accused of Setting Home Alight With Dad Inside

A family eviction dispute spiralled into a dangerous apartment blaze after a woman allegedly told her father 'burn motherf—er, burn' before setting his home on fire while he was still inside, according to police in Milwaukee. Authorities say the flames spread rapidly through a building housing elderly and disabled residents, triggering chaotic evacuations and leaving several people injured.

Eviction Argument Before the Fire

Police allege the incident followed a heated row after the woman, Laquita Spears, was told she could no longer stay at her father's apartment, where she had been living for several weeks. Investigators say the father had asked her to leave earlier that day following escalating arguments, including one over a small sum of money.

According to the criminal complaint, the father told officers his daughter was shouting and acting erratically before walking towards the door with a red Bic lighter in her hand. Moments later, she allegedly made the remark referencing fire before leaving the flat.

Fire Starts With Father Still Inside

Shortly after she exited, the father told police he noticed his coat, which had been placed on top of a sofa, was on fire. He attempted to extinguish the flames but was unable to control them as the blaze intensified inside the living room.

As reported by Law and Crime, police say the fire was started using charcoal lighter fluid, which was allegedly poured onto furniture and clothing before being ignited. The father managed to escape the apartment as the fire spread, but officers say the flames quickly extended to other units within the building.

Elderly Residents Forced to Flee

The apartment complex houses elderly people, many of whom have disabilities, and was not equipped with a sprinkler system, according to officials. Police said occupants were forced to self-evacuate as thick smoke filled the building.

Some residents were seen hanging out of windows while waiting for help, the complaint alleges. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation, while one resident was found unresponsive and not breathing before being taken to hospital with chest pain.

Emergency Response and Injuries

Fire crews and police officers responded to the scene and assisted with evacuations as smoke poured through the building. Authorities later described the situation as especially dangerous due to the vulnerability of residents and the rapid spread of the flames.

Investigators said the fire caused injuries and significant disruption, although no fatalities were reported. Officials noted that the lack of sprinklers increased the risk faced by residents during the incident.

Alleged Admissions to Investigators

During a later interview with police, the woman allegedly admitted she squirted charcoal lighter fluid onto a jacket on the couch and onto a basket of clothing placed on a table in the living room. Police say she also acknowledged using a Bic lighter to ignite the fluid in multiple locations before leaving the apartment.

Investigators said she claimed she did not intend to hurt anyone and did not believe the fire would spread as widely as it did.

Prior History and Charges

Police confirmed the suspect has two prior arson convictions. She was located and arrested several days after the fire and booked on arson and reckless endangerment charges.

Court records show she is being held on a $50,000 bond (roughly £36,500) and has been ordered to stay away from her father if released. She is scheduled to appear in court on 26 February as the case proceeds.