July 3, 2018
Motive unclear, as more charges could be pending in strange criminal case
JULY 3, 2018 – written by WADE QUEEN
A Louisa woman was arrested Sunday afternoon, July 1, after police said she set a house on fire with a man inside.
The Louisa Police Department charged Christina Martin, 61, of Louisa, with first-degree arson. She was arrested by Louisa Police sergeant Ed Cordle.
Officers said Christine Martin, who lives at the Budget Inn in Louisa, entered the man’s home on South Water Street in Louisa and, using a lighter, set fire to the curtains.
Martin then allegedly left the house with the man still inside.
A neighbor saw the flames and told the man his house was on fire. The man grabbed the curtains and threw them outside.
Police said the man had possible burns on his left hand but he refused medical treatment. His identity was not included in the police report.
Neighbors gave a description of Christine Martin and police arrested her about two blocks away from the man’s house.
Officers reported it was unclear why Christine Martin allegedly set fire to the curtains in the man’s house. They also stated more charges could be filed after the case is presented to the Lawrence County grand jury.
Christine Martin was taken to and remains lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville, on a $5,000 full cash bond.
