A jury in Florida has convicted a man of attempted manslaughter for trapping a former roommate inside a burning house on Christmas morning of 2023. The verdict against Jesus A. Hernandez was returned on October 30 after a three-day trial, State Attorney Alexcia Cox announced.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on December 25, 2023. Evidence presented showed that Hernandez had intentionally blocked the front door of the residence, preventing an occupant from escaping the fire and smoke.

The victim awoke to the smell of smoke, realized his home was ablaze, and tried to flee through the front door, only to find it barricaded. Intense heat prevented him from reaching the back door, forcing him back to the front where he desperately cried out for help.

Fortunately, neighbors heard th

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