A flurry of jealous text messages and two pre-dawn fires at the same northeast Columbus address now have investigators pointing the finger at one man, who is accused of setting both blazes. Fire crews first rushed to a vehicle fire on Aberdeen Avenue around 2:36 a.m., then returned to the same property just after 5:30 a.m. for a second fire, this time involving a detached garage. Court records reviewed by investigators say each blaze was intentionally set and identify the suspect as Julian Mangum, based on the texts and evidence collected at the scene.
What investigators say
According to WSYX/ABC6, Columbus Division of Fire crews arrived to find a 2012 Honda Accord burning in the driveway during the first call. Later that morning, the detached garage at the same home was reported fully engulfed and so structurally unstable that investigators could not safely get inside to examine the damage.
Investigators classified the vehicle fire as incendiary in nature. The victim, who told police she had been in a relationship with Mangum, reported seeing him outside the home shortly before the first fire. Court documents say Mangum had sent numerous messages laced with jealousy and hostility, including warnings that he would “prove a point” if he felt provoked.
Charges and next steps
Court records state that Mangum is charged with two counts of arson and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, as reported by WSYX/ABC6. Investigators say that after the second fire, he allegedly sent the victim an unsolicited “Congratulations” text and claimed he had “spared” her house. They flagged those messages because he appeared to reference specific details of the scene before that information was public.
Prosecutors are expected to review the case file, then decide whether to pursue any additional charges as the investigation moves through Franklin County court.
Legal note
Arson is defined under Ohio Revised Code section 2909.03, and the statute allows a wide range of penalties, from a first-degree misdemeanor to felony charges, depending on factors such as whether a structure was occupied or the value of the property loss, according to the Ohio Revised Code. That spread means potential punishment can vary significantly, based on how prosecutors choose to charge the conduct and what evidence is ultimately presented in court. Anyone accused of the crime is entitled to the usual legal protections as the case moves forward.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about either fire is asked to contact the Columbus Division of Police. For non-emergency information, call 614-645-4545. In an emergency, dial 911. Investigators are especially interested in hearing from neighbors who noticed activity on Aberdeen Avenue in the early-morning hours or who may have video or photos from that time.
