Delays in case of Teller County woman accused of starting Highland Lakes Fire
TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – Lacey Tillitt, the woman accused of starting the Highland Lakes Fire that burned more than 160 acres near Divide last year, was due back in court Monday to enter a plea.
However, her defense requested to delay the arraignment to allow more time to review evidence – one of several factors that have already slowed Tillitt’s path to trial.
Tillitt, who was arrested back in January, faces one count of felony arson for allegedly setting her own home on fire in October 2024 and subsequently sparking the Highland Lakes Fire.
The fire burned approximately 166 acres near Divide, forcing the evacuations of hundreds of residents, threatening over 700 homes in the Highland Lakes area. Fire crews battled the flames for several days before the blaze was fully contained.
KRDO13 Investigates previously uncovered that Tillitt’s home on Beaver Lake Circle was under foreclosure proceedings at the time of the fire. The sale of the property had been rescheduled multiple times—most recently to Oct. 30, just two days after the fire broke out.
READ MORE: Records explain why Teller Co. woman allegedly set house ablaze, sparking Highland Lakes wildfire
Tillitt's mental health was called into question early in the case, and she was placed on a mental health stay in March. After an August hearing, a judge deemed her competent to proceed to trial.
Tillitt is charged with fourth-degree arson, a class 2 felony in Colorado, for allegedly endangering over $1 million in property.
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
