MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man will spend 15 years in prison after being convicted for causing a fire at a Mesa apartment complex that severely injured a man last year.

Lyle Terrence Samuel pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of arson of an occupied structure, both felonies.

In August 2024, Samuel started a fire at the Harris Place apartments , located near Gilbert Road and Main Street. Police say Samuel set fire to the victim’s apartment, claiming the man owed him $300.

According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Samuel doused the front door entryway to the victim’s apartment with gasoline and set it on fire.

The fire blocked the only exit, forcing the victim to jump through a window to escape.

The victim was hospitalized for nearly a mon

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