Phoenix Man Sets Apartment on Fire to Cover Up Murder
Ishmael Williams, 32, of Phoenix, is facing murder charges after police allege he stabbed his roommate in the neck before setting him on fire.
On Saturday April 2, officers and firefighters responded to an apartment fire near 51st Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. When they arrived, they found Williams trying to put out the flames.
After the fire was put out, police discovered the body of Williams’ 33-year-old roommate who has yet to be identified.
During a police interview with Williams, he claimed he and his roommate were discussing how dirty the roommate left their apartment and if he’d been able to pay his portion of the rent for the month. Williams said he heard a loud noise from the victim’s room and forced himself inside to find him on fire. He later told police that he never touched the victim.
The victim was lying face down on his floor when emergency crews dragged his body to the living room where they discovered a stab wound and burns. A gas can and butcher knife were also found in the victim’s bedroom according to AZ Central.
Williams is facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held on $1 million bond and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 8.
