COLUMBUS – Twin brothers are being accused of setting a half dozen fires in vacant Franklinton properties since last September.
On March 23rd, Columbus Division of Fire investigators charged Leroy Stafford with three counts of aggravated arson after he admitted to setting two fires in the 800 block of Bellows Avenue on Sept. 30 and on Christmas Day 2021, and another fire in January, division spokesman Battalion Chief Steve Martin said.
During questioning, Stafford’s twin brother, Travis, admitted that he had been present at one of the fires but was trying to discourage his brother from setting that fire, Martin said.
Leroy Stafford admitted to setting the Sept. 30 fire at 827 Bellows Avenue after the landlord “kicked out” several homeless people who were squatting inside, Martin said.
He also admitted to setting the second Bellows Avenue with his brother and to setting a fire at 904 Sullivant Avenue on January 20, Martin said.
Leroy Stafford also admitted to setting two additional fires in vacant houses in the same neighborhood when he was a juvenile, but Martin says he refused to give specifics as to addresses or dates.