A 49-year-old named Julius Lindo faces charges of murder and arson following allegations that he deliberately ignited a fire in Springfield, resulting in one man’s death.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authorities have detained a Jacksonville resident, accusing him of setting a deadly blaze in the Springfield area on Friday night. The fire tragically claimed a life.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Lindo, 49, is charged with murder, arson, and eight counts of attempted murder. Investigators assert that he purposefully ignited the fire that ravaged a residence on Ionia Street, leading to the death of 62-year-old Willie Haywood Jr.
The residence, known in the community for its generosity, often welcomed those in need, according to neighbors.
Maria Bristol, who resides next door, expressed her sorrow, saying, “Losing someone in such a manner is truly tragic. It’s everyone’s worst fear to be trapped in a fire.”
Bristol recounted how she was watching TV when a loud explosion startled her, prompting her to look outside and discover the house ablaze. She immediately contacted emergency services and assisted in evacuating nearby residents 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.
