ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An Allentown man charged with starting a fire that displaced 31 people from six homes and endangered lives was sentenced to 20-40 years in prison, officials said.
Santos Mota-Ramirez, 61, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, arson and causing a catastrophe, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said.
Santos Mota-Ramirez waived his right to a pre-sentence investigation and was sentenced by Judge Robert L. Steinberg.Lehigh County District Attorney's Office release
Mota-Ramirez waived his right to a pre-sentence investigation and was sentenced by Judge Robert L. Steinberg.
Authorities said that just before 4:30 p.m. Dec. 26, 2024, Allentown Police were called to 721 Cedar St. for a report of a domestic dispute.
They said Mota-Ramirez lived in the home.
A woman, whose name authorities said they won't release, had visible redness to her face and neck and told officers that a man, later identified as Mota-Ramirez, had assaulted her.
He also tried to stab her with a knife during the dispute, authorities said.
Officers entered the home and found Mota-Ramirez entering the kitchen from the rear of the home, where flames began appearing.
Mota-Ramirez was taken into custody and admitted setting the building on fire and trying to stab the victim to death and said he also planned to kill others inside the home, authorities said.
Fire quickly spread
The fire quickly spread throughout the home and to several adjoining row homes, authorities said
One woman was inside the basement of the Cedar Street home where the fire began. She was not able to escape the basement and had to be rescued by Allentown Fire Department, officials said.
That woman had to be hospitalized for second-degree burns and smoke inhalation.
The investigation revealed that Mota-Ramirez had dumped gasoline inside the basement of his home and lit it on fire.Lehigh County District Attorney's Office release
Several residents had to be evacuated from their homes and were in danger of death or serious bodily injury, authorities said. Several firefighters also were injured battling the blaze.
Initial reports said three residents were taken to local hospitals, and one was in critical condition. Four firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
The fire damaged seven structures and displaced 30 people, officials said.
The investigation revealed that Mota-Ramirez had dumped gasoline inside the basement of his home and lit it on fire, authorities said.
This case was investigated by Allentown Police Detective Theodore Kiskeravage and prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen and Senior Deputy District Attorney Ashley N. Troxell.
