Three individuals implicated in an October house fire in Statesville, North Carolina, that resulted in severe burns to a resident, have been apprehended in Dallas, Texas, according to Statesville Police. Firefighters responded to a call in the early hours of October 14, where they discovered a woman with significant injuries due to the blaze. This woman, later identified as Miladis T. Bonilla-Alarcon, was taken to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for treatment.
An investigation launched by the Statesville Police Department, in conjunction with the Statesville Fire Department, pointed to the fire being intentionally set, as stated by QC News. The three men arrested, Oscar Humberto Bernal-Ardon, 33, Rudy Ardon Santos, 33, and Oscar Armando Larin, 45, have since been extradited back to North Carolina. They all hail from the city where the incident occurred.
As reported by WBTV, the apprehended suspects have been charged with two counts each of first-degree arson. Bernal-Ardon has been issued with a $250,000 bond, and Santos with a $100,000 bond. Larin, however, remains in custody without bond. The police are urging anyone with further information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Per details from the Statesville Police Department, recounted by Iredell Free News, Alarcon's boyfriend, Elvin Ivan Ardon Santos, awoke to the smell of gas on the night of the incident. He escaped to seek assistance but subsequently realized Alarcon was still trapped inside. Santos then broke a bedroom window to rescue her, as the fire had blocked the main entrance.
The case ongoing, and the police department's call for witnesses or others with knowledge pertinent to this case remains open. Community members who can provide additional context or information are encouraged to contact the Statesville Police Department at their earliest convenience.
