A Warren man has been found guilty in a case involving arson and the killing of animals. Jesse Humphrey, 30, was convicted by a Macomb County jury on Wednesday for setting a fire that destroyed his girlfriend’s home and caused the deaths of her two cats, as reported by ClickOnDetroit. The conviction includes two counts of second-degree arson, each carrying a possible 20-year sentence, and two counts of first-degree killing/torturing of animals, each carrying a possible 10-year sentence.
In a statement obtained by Macomb Daily, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido called the case serious, saying, “Arson is a despicable crime.” He said arson not only destroyed property but also put neighbors and firefighters at risk. Lucido said Humphrey knew animals were inside the home when he set fire. Investigators say Humphrey ignited his girlfriend’s Warren home in September 2024 while her cats were inside. She was not at home at that time.
Humphrey’s charges were raised from third-degree killing of animals to first-degree killing/torturing of animals after a preliminary court review, and a second count was added for another cat. A jury found him guilty, and he was taken into custody to await sentencing on December 4 before Macomb County Circuit Judge Joseph Toia. After the verdict, Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said, “I am proud of my assistant prosecutors who achieved justice for the victim and the cats,” and the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stated it will continue to enforce Michigan law, as mentioned by New Media Detroit.
