A Michigan man, 42-year-old Franklin La-Wan Richard from Flint, was found guilty of arson and murder related to the death of his 78-year-old father, Fred Gordon. The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Richard set fire to Gordon’s apartment on August 23, 2023.
Neighbors heard noises resembling furniture being thrown and identified Richard’s voice during the incident. First responders witnessed Richard jumping from a second-floor balcony, while Gordon was unable to escape and tragically died in the blaze.
Richard was arrested at the scene after admitting to setting the fire. Despite testimony that he struggled with drug addiction and was intoxicated at the time, the jury concluded he was aware of his actions. Prosecutor David Leyton stated, “This was a very sad and tragic case, but justice has been served.”
