Man charged with felony murder after setting apartment fire, leaving 1 dead, 13 hurt, HCSO says

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) -- A man has been charged with felony murder and arson after an apartment fire in the Spring area left one person dead and 13 others injured on Monday morning, officials said.

Firefighters were at the scene at Cypresswood Apartments along Cypresswood Drive near Kuykendahl since before 2 a.m.

According to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, one of the injured victims is a 3-year-old boy who was saved by his father. Officials said the father brought his child out of the burning building, and both were hospitalized in critical condition.

The child was taken to the Shriners Hospital burn unit for children by Life Flight, and the father was taken to a hospital with burn injuries, officials said.

The fire marshal's office said the man who died was initially trapped and firefighters struggled to get him out. When fire crews finally got him out, they conducted CPR and took him to the hospital, where he later died, officials said. In an update, the Harris County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 40-year-old Andrew Atwater.

HCSO said that after HCFMO initiated the investigation, authorities determined that the fire was intentionally set by a resident, later identified as Matthew Atwater, who lived in the apartment with Andrew Atwater and their mother. Detectives said they discovered that Matthew had been involved in an argument with a family member earlier in the evening and allegedly set the fire out of anger.

Authorities said Matthew Atwater was charged with felony murder, with arson as the underlying offense, and was processed into the Harris County Jail. Officials said additional charges are possible.

ABC13 crews at the scene captured footage of the extensive building damage. According to the fire marshal's office, about 25 people lost their homes in the blaze. Officials said six of the injured victims were hospitalized, while seven others were checked out on the scene and released.

The victims were spread out between four different area hospitals, the fire marshal's office said. The fire marshal said three of the injured victims were hospitalized in critical condition. HCFMO said some of the patients were intubated.

The American Red Cross Texas said it's assisting the families who were impacted and urged anyone who needs help to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

HCSO said the investigation by its deputies and HCFMO officials remains active.

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