Rockford woman charged with arson stemming from 2023 apartment fire

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Police arrested Amanda Nelson, 34, for allegedly starting fire to a two-story apartment in late 2023.

On December 24, 2023, Rockford Fire responded to a fire in the 4400 block of Lori Drive. After the fire was extinguished, a fire investigator determined the fire was incendiary, each fire was set under a window leading to a bedroom and a propane tank was involved in the incident.

A woman and her children lived in unit six and the adult victim had experienced domestic violence incidents involving Nelson, according to court records. The victim had an order of protection against Nelson.

The woman also filed a report on December 10, 2023, with police stating Nelson was verbally threatening her.

A recorded conversation between the victim and the suspect was taken as evidence. In the recording, Nelson said, “I know where you all are. I know the location of every room you all are in.”

“So, you rather your house goes up in flames then, and she dies too? All because you want to be petty,” said Nelson in the recording.

Nelson was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on October 16th of this year.

She is charged with residential arson and aggravated arson while people were present.

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