Arson Suspect in Large Denver Fire Appears in Court

The 38-year-old man faces multiple charges for the January 2nd blaze that destroyed a partially constructed apartment complex.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The suspect accused of starting a large apartment complex fire in Denver, 38-year-old Tony Becerra, appeared in court on Tuesday. Becerra's defense asked the judge to not allow media coverage, citing concerns about potential jury bias, but the judge ruled that cameras could be present, though no audio of Becerra could be recorded. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Becerra leaving the construction site shortly before the fire started and purchasing gasoline earlier that evening.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of construction site security and the potential for devastating property damage from arson. The fire caused significant disruption to the neighborhood and required evacuations, underscoring the public safety risks of such incidents.

The details

According to an arrest affidavit, Becerra is facing charges of first-degree arson, second-degree arson, and fourth-degree arson for the January 2nd fire that destroyed a partially constructed apartment complex on Leetsdale Drive in Denver. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Becerra leaving the construction site through a gate about 10 minutes before the first 911 call reporting the fire, and footage from an hour earlier shows him at a gas station, where he appeared to fill a container with gasoline and place it into a black bag.

  • The fire occurred on January 2, 2026.
  • Becerra appeared in court on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • Becerra is expected back in court on February 17, 2026.

The players

Tony Becerra

A 38-year-old man accused of starting the large apartment complex fire in Denver.

Shalom Kaiser

A neighbor who lives behind the property and had to evacuate their home the night of the fire.

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What they’re saying

“It's been wild driving by every day and seeing the damage that was done.”

— Shalom Kaiser, Neighbor (KDVR)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 17, 2026 whether to allow cameras and audio recording during Becerra's future court appearances.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of construction site security and the potential for devastating property damage from arson, as well as the need to balance media coverage and fair trial concerns in high-profile criminal cases.