Mississippi Man Sentenced After Throwing Gasoline on Seven Roommates and Setting Them Ablaze With Cigarette Lighter
BYRAM, MISSISSIPPI — A Mississippi man who deliberately set seven of his roommates on fire after an argument has been sentenced to decades in prison, following a brutal Easter Sunday attack that left two men dead and several others critically injured.
60-Year Prison Sentence Imposed After Guilty Plea
Marcos Uriel Lara Perez, 33, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 years in a Mississippi state prison for the killings of 77-year-old Filiberto Torres and 45-year-old Jose Thomas Segura Juarez. According to the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, the sentence totals 80 years with 20 years suspended.
Perez pleaded guilty last week to two counts of second-degree murder, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled to begin days later.
Easter Sunday Fire Leaves Home Engulfed in Flames
The deadly incident occurred around 7 p.m. on April 9, 2023, at a residence in the 700 block of Gary Drive, roughly 10 miles southwest of Jackson.
Police and firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire and arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. The Byram Police Department said six severely burned victims were found outside the home as emergency crews worked to control the blaze.
Two Victims Died From Burn Injuries
Five of the injured victims were transported to University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment of critical burn injuries, while a sixth victim was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
During firefighting operations, responders discovered the body of Filiberto Torres inside the residence. Another victim, later identified as Jose Thomas Segura Juarez, was airlifted to a burn unit in Memphis but died from his injuries days later.
Investigators Say Fire Was Deliberately Set
A joint investigation involving police and the state fire marshal concluded that Perez intentionally started the fire. Authorities said Perez threw a bucket of gasoline on the victims while they were gathered in the kitchen and then ignited the fuel using a Bic cigarette lighter, causing the fire to rapidly spread throughout the structure.
Investigators determined all seven victims were roommates living in the home at the time of the attack.
Argument Preceded Deadly Attack
According to WLBT, the fire began after an argument between Perez and the other residents escalated. Officials did not publicly disclose the cause of the dispute.
Perez also suffered serious burn injuries during the fire and remained hospitalized for several days before he was booked into jail.
Prosecutor Calls Crime Heinous and Senseless
Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens II described the attack as exceptionally cruel.
“This crime was especially heinous and senseless,” Owens said in a statement reported by WLBT. “These people were burned alive in their own home.”
Owens praised first responders for their quick action and thorough investigation, crediting the Byram Police Department, fire crews, and medical teams for their response.
Survivors Continue Recovery as Case Concludes
While two victims lost their lives, several others survived with severe, life-altering injuries, according to authorities. Their recoveries are expected to be long and difficult.
With sentencing complete, Perez is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars, bringing legal closure to one of the most disturbing arson-homicide cases in recent Mississippi history.
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