BRIGHTON, Colo. --
A 35-year-old man was found guilty Monday of burning down an apartment complex and killing a man because he thought his ex-girlfriend was having an affair.
Douglas Taylor was convicted of first-degree murder, 10 counts of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree arson.
The fatal blaze broke out at 1:35 a.m on May 25, 2009 in the Emporia Street Apartments at 2301 Emporia Street.
When Aurora police officers arrived, they said they saw residents breaking out windows and jumping to the ground as the building became engulfed in smoke and fire.
Officers found Jose De Jesus Martinez Espinoza in a common hallway. He died the following day from third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body.
During Taylor's trial, witnesses testified that Taylor thought his ex-girlfriend was in the apartment building visiting a friend. Other witnesses testified that Taylor was known to threaten to burn down people's houses when he was angry.
Arson investigators determined the fire had been deliberately set in two locations in the building.
Taylor’s accomplice, Coy Dunn, testified that he assisted Taylor in obtaining the gasoline to start the fire, accompanied Taylor to the apartment building and watched Taylor ignite the fire.
Dunn pleaded guilty in August to second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He will be sentenced on Oct. 21.
The jury deliberated two hours before returning guilty verdicts.
Adams County District Court Judge Patrick Murphy immediately sentenced Taylor to life in prison plus 275 years.
Report a typo or inaccuracyCopyright 2010 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
