A horrific case of arson has shaken Minneapolis, as 33-year-old Anthony Leikas faces charges for setting fire to a double amputee's tent, which led to the victim suffering critical injuries and being "unlikely to survive," according to court filings. The incident occurred at a homeless encampment near Target Field in the early hours of December 5, as reported by KARE 11.
The victim, identified as 57-year-old Steven J. Waddell, was found with severe burns to 85-90% of his body and is currently hospitalized in critical condition, his chances of survival hanging by a thread due to the extent of his injuries which includes a badly burned wheelchair. The Hennepin County attorney's office detailed the tragic aftermath noting that, after being confronted with surveillance footage, Leikas claimed he watched the fire but allegedly it was ignited by two others with cigarette butts. Hennepin County Jail records indicate Leikas's bail has been set at $500,000 without conditions.
Sources claim that Waddell, before being taken to the hospital, managed to express to officers that someone had set his tent ablaze, recounting the perpetrator's chilling words, "Burn in hell," as the fire began, as detailed in Star Tribune report. Surveillance video from a nearby gas station became critical in identifying Leikas, who has a criminal history that includes multiple counts of robbery and burglary dating back to 2008.
Leikas, who appeared in court on Friday, has been charged with first-degree assault and attempted murder, his criminal past with convictions for both aggravated and simple robbery surfacing in light of the current allegations while his attorney did not immediately return a request for comment, as reported by KARE 11.
