Arsonist Threatened Girlfriend Before Burning Down Apartment

ABILENE, TX – New details have emerged in the events that lead an Abilene man to torch an apartment complex Monday.

According to the Abilene Police Department, 31-year-old Kevin Earl Spurlock threatened to kill his girlfriend before the fire.

Shortly after Spurlock made the threat, the girlfriend noticed smoke coming from her apartment.

The ensuing fire nearly caused the entire complex to burn down. According to the Abilene Fire Department, the fire started around 6:15 a.m., and by 6:30 a.m. the flames had been upgraded to a 3rd alarm fire.

As of Sunday, at least 21 apartment units were affected by the fire, meaning 60 residents were impacted.

The affected residents will be housed at MCM Elegante and Suites and the American Red Cross is assisting. Additionally, at least three dogs died as a result of the fire, and Abilene Animal Services is providing food for other pets that were rescued.

The damages are expected to surpass $500,000.

Firefighters spent nearly ten hours extinguishing the fire and hotspots.

Spurlock was located in a nearby apartment complex and was arrested. He has been charged with arson of habitation and terror threat of family or household.