Maryland Man Accused of Setting Home on Fire After Alleged Death Threats Against Girlfriend
A Maryland man has been arrested after authorities accused him of threatening his girlfriend’s life and intentionally setting a house on fire while she and several pets were still inside. Investigators say the frightening incident unfolded after an argument escalated inside the couple’s Glen Burnie home, leaving the woman fearing for her safety.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 64-year-old Carmelo Sam Latorre, is now facing multiple criminal charges, including attempted murder and arson. The case has drawn attention because of the disturbing threats he allegedly made before the fire started.
According to investigators, the incident happened Tuesday night when Latorre allegedly returned home under the influence of alcohol. Court records indicate that his behaviour quickly became aggressive. Police say he began damaging property inside the residence, verbally threatening his girlfriend, and creating a dangerous environment.
Authorities also allege that during the confrontation, Latorre threw dog faeces at the woman and made several disturbing statements. One of the most shocking allegations is that he threatened to force his girlfriend to eat the ashes of her deceased son. The woman reportedly recorded part of the confrontation on her phone, capturing what investigators describe as threats to burn down the home.
According to charging documents, the recorded video allegedly includes Latorre saying that he intended to burn the house to the ground and warning the woman that she would die inside. Investigators believe those statements became a critical piece of evidence in the case.
Police say Latorre later went into the kitchen, turned on a gas stove, and intentionally started a fire before leaving the residence. At the time, his girlfriend and several pets were still inside the house.
Fortunately, the woman managed to escape safely along with the animals before the flames spread further. She immediately contacted emergency services by calling 911, allowing firefighters and law enforcement officers to respond quickly.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and worked to control the fire. Authorities have not reported any serious physical injuries resulting from the incident, but investigators say the situation had the potential to become deadly if the occupants had not escaped in time.
Following an investigation, Latorre was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder, arson, and other related offences. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Domestic violence experts often warn that threats involving fire or statements about killing a partner should always be taken seriously because they may signal an increased risk of violence. Law enforcement agencies encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse or credible threats to seek immediate help and report the situation to authorities before it escalates.
The investigation into the fire remains ongoing as officials continue reviewing evidence, including witness statements and the video recording reportedly captured during the incident. Additional details may become available as the case moves through the Maryland court system.
Sources
- Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Anne Arundel County Fire Department
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
