Woman Suspected Of Setting Fire To Apartment Building Could Get 600 Years In Prison

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4)- The woman accused of setting fire to an apartment building faces hundreds of years in prison if convicted.

Naomi Almodovar appeared before a judge at the Arapahoe County Justice Center in Centennial where she was informed of the 37 counts of attempted murder against her.

Almodovar, 23, could spend a minimum of nearly 600 years and a maximum of 2,000 years in prison if she is convicted of all of those charges.

Almodovar is believed to have intentionally set the June 23 fire at the Copper Terrace Apartments in Centennial.

The fire was so bad that people living in the complex had to escape by jumping from windows as high as three stories. Investigators say they believe Almodovar had targeted complex resident and her ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend, David Tegtmeyer, and put a lot of lives at risk.

Eight people were injured, some seriously.

According to the arrest affidavit, Almodovar premeditated the fire by asking a friend to drive her to get gas. She then filled a container with gas and asked her friend to drive her to the Copper Terrace Apartments.

She then allegedly asked her friend to wait in the car because she wanted to check on an ex-girlfriend. That's when police believe she started that fire.

"But for these people taking extraordinary life-saving measures, we'd be looking at one of the most horrific crimes in the history of this state," said 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler.

Escaping the danger with his new girlfriend and two brothers, Tegtmeyer was among those trying to help others, including a bride-to-be and her maid of honor trapped on the third floor.

Tegtmeyer didn't know what caused the fire until investigators called it arson.

More Centennial Arson Stories