Share and Follow
A 49-year-old man, Julius Lindo, faces charges of murder and arson following accusations of intentionally igniting a fire in Springfield that led to a fatality.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authorities have apprehended a Jacksonville resident, believed to have purposefully started a fire that claimed a life in Springfield on Friday night.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that Julius Lindo, aged 49, is charged with murder, arson, and eight counts of attempted murder. The blaze, which investigators allege Lindo set, ravaged a residence on Ionia Street, resulting in the death of 62-year-old Willie Haywood Jr.
Locals noted that the house frequently served as a sanctuary for those in need, with the owner often welcoming individuals seeking assistance.
“To lose someone in such a manner is a tragedy,” remarked Maria Bristol, a neighbor. “Being trapped in a fire is a nightmare no one should experience.”
Bristol said she was watching television when she heard a loud boom and looked outside to see the home engulfed in flames. She called 911 and helped get neighbors to safety.
Another neighbor, Lep Stewart, said he ran over as soon as he saw the flames.
“My good friends live right next to that house,” Stewart said. “They were evacuating the house, pulling people out.”
Most residents escaped, but Haywood, who neighbors said used a wheelchair, did not make it out.
Bristol said she recognized Lindo from the area and recalled hearing him shouting late that night before the fire.
“I’m glad they found him,” she said. “He did it on purpose, and that’s upsetting that somebody would do something like that.”
Neighbors described the Springfield block as a tight-knit community, coming together in the aftermath of tragedy.
“We all look out for each other,” Stewart said. “There were people from blocks away showing up in the middle of the night to help.”
Court records show Lindo remains in the Duval County jail.
Bristol said Love Moves, a nonprofit through The Well Church of Jacksonville, is collecting donations of clothes, furniture and other essentials to help those affected.