Alleged arsonist commits ‘irreparable harm’

WARREN — A man who allegedly set fire to his girlfriend’s home, killing her two cats and destroying the house, was arraigned in Warren’s 37th District Court by Judge Michael Chupa Sept. 24.

Jesse Dennis Hayden Humphrey, 29, from Canada, was charged with two counts of second-degree arson, a felony punishable up to 20 years in prison for each count. In addition, he faces charges of killing animals in the third degree, a four-year felony, which according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido is the highest possible charge for animal deaths in Michigan.

Humphrey and his girlfriend reportedly had an argument before he allegedly set the house on fire Sept. 22. According to the prosecutor, the girlfriend was not home at the time of the fire. When the fire began, Humphrey reportedly fled the scene and was later arrested by Warren police.

Chupa set bond at $500,000 cash or surety only. If Humphrey is released on bond, he must wear a GPS tether. In addition, he was ordered not to leave the state and have no contact with the victim.

The defendant’s attorney of record is Grace J. Crivello, who was not available for comment at press time.

“I am committed to holding those accountable who commit senseless acts of violence and destruction. This individual’s alleged actions resulted in the tragic loss of two innocent pets and caused irreparable harm. This act of cruelty and recklessness will not be tolerated,” Lucido said in a press release.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled at 8:45 a.m. Oct. 8, after the Warren Weekly went to press. A preliminary exam was tentatively scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Oct. 15 in 37th District Court in Judge Suzanne Faunce’s courtroom.