Trial date set for woman accused of torching Manitou Springs apartments
The woman police say started a fire in Manitou Springs last July will stand trial this summer.
Nicchi Ladawn See, 47, will go on trial on June 28. The trial is expected to take about two weeks. See has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against her.
See is charged with two counts of first-degree arson, one count of criminal mischief, three counts of attempted manslaughter, three counts of attempted second-degree assault and cruelty to animals.
The fire started at the home in the 500 Block of Caon Avenue around 11:30 a.m. on July 4, 2015. Police said See called El Paso County sheriff’s dispatchers and confessed to starting the fire.
Investigators believe the fire started on the porch but did not indicate whether it began accidentally or intentionally.
The three-story home, which is divided into four separate apartments, is considered a total loss, investigators said.
Firefighters said eight people are known to have lived at the address, and that two residents probably saved their lives by jumping from a second floor window.
“I opened up my front window and fire shot up and started my shirt on fire,” John Martin, one of the victims, said. “So I jumped out of my shirt and ran into my house, grabbed my roommate and tried to get down to the front door steps, and the window exploded. Fire flew in the front window, and then I ran back upstairs and threw my big screen on the floor, and we both jumped out the second-floor window.”
Firefighters said none of the residents was seriously hurt or required hospital care. Police said several animals were rescued but several others died.
A second home was also damaged from heat and smoke.
The Red Cross arrived to help the victims.
News Release from the Manitou Police Department.:
“On July 4 th , 2015 at 1126AM, office’s with the Manitou Springs Police Department and members of the Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department responded to a residence at 507 Canon Avenue, which is a three-story multi-residence, in regards to a structure fire.
“Once on scene, officers and firefighters observed a fully-engulfed structure. Minor injuries were reported but no one was transported to the hospital. A neighboring home also sustained damage.
“Officers learned that a female called the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center and stated that she started the fire. She was later identified as Nicchi Ladawn See, DOB: 08/28/68. Criminal charges were filed and include two counts of 1 st Degree Arson a class 3 Felony, one count of Criminal Mischief, a Class 4 Felony, three counts of Attempted Manslaughter, a Class 5 Felony and three counts of Attempted 2 nd Degree Assault, a Class 5 Felony.
“Several animals were recovered from the incident and sustained life-ending injuries. The suspect was also charged with Cruelty to Animals, a Class 1 Misdemeanor.”
