FBI arrests self-proclaimed hate crime victim for allegedly setting deadly house fire
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The FBI in Houston, Texas, recently announced the arrest of a self-proclaimed hate crime victim who authorities allege burned down his rental home, killing two people.

Mario Roberson of Huntsville was arrested by FBI agents and Texas Public Safety officers Thursday morning in a June 2023 house explosion in San Jacinto County. He faces life in prison.

Roberson was initially charged with arson in November 2023 and booked into the Harris County jail in December 2023. It is unclear why he was released.

FBI agents

FBI Houston confirmed the suspect claimed to be a hate crime victim. (Getty Images)

A survivor who deputies found crashed in a ditch after the fire told law enforcement a man asked him to drive to Huntsville from Houston, wanting to “do a numbers job on a house,” the outlet reported.

“Whoever is doing it, he knows the man with the house,” he said on a bodycam video obtained by ABC13. “A numbers [insurance fraud] job or something. That’s all I know.”

After a months-long investigation by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, a grand jury signed a “true bill,” allowing him to be charged with first-degree felony arson.

A structure burns as the Carr Fire races along Highway 299 near Redding, Calif., on Thursday, July 26, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

FBI Houston arrested a man in a deadly alleged 2023 arson. (AP Photo/ Noah Berger)

FBI Houston did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
New England serial killer fears grip coastal town after paddleboarder’s ‘terrifying’ murder

New England serial killer fears grip coastal town after paddleboarder’s ‘terrifying’ murder

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One week after a…
Randy Moss speaks on 'emotional roller coaster' while battling cancer

Randy Moss shares about the ups and downs of dealing with cancer.

One of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL…
Shakeup at iconic American brand could change pantry favorites forever

Major Changes at Famous American Brand Could Revolutionize Pantry Staples

Americans who like to pour ketchup on their mac and cheese, beware:…
'Freakier Friday': Behind-the-scenes look at Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis on set of the new Disney sequel

Exploring the Making of the New Disney Sequel with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis

LOS ANGELES — Take a special behind-the-scenes look at “Freakier Friday,” a…
Federal judge restricts LAPD from targeting journalists with force at immigration protests

Federal judge restricts LAPD from targeting journalists with force at immigration protests

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Los Angeles-based federal…
San Diego renters turn to 'speed roommating' as rent increases

Renters in San Diego seeking “speed roommating” due to rising rent costs

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) Since last year, rent rates increased by 4.1% in…
Here's the evidence Idaho prosecutors had against Bryan Kohberger

Recently released Idaho document following Bryan Kohberger’s plea questions the reason for targeting these 4 children.

() A surprise guilty plea prevented the public from learning more about…
Billionaire poses with glamorous new fiancee and their BABY

“Billionaire and Stunning Fiancee Introduce Their New Family Member”

John Paulson, a Wall Street billionaire, was captured in a happy moment…