Woman Facing Eviction Charged with Arson After Apartment Building Fire

Elizabeth H. Radmacher allegedly set her apartment on fire and threatened to "kill everybody" as she fled the scene.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A 68-year-old Kentucky woman named Elizabeth H. Radmacher has been charged with arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief after she allegedly set her apartment on fire in Louisville while facing eviction. Radmacher "intentionally" started the blaze in her bedroom and then left the building, according to police. As the fire spread, other residents were forced to evacuate, and Radmacher was heard saying "I'm going to kill everybody." One person was transported to the hospital due to the incident, which caused around $100,000 in damage.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential dangers and tragic consequences that can arise when individuals facing difficult personal circumstances, such as eviction, resort to extreme and criminal actions. It raises concerns about the need for better support systems and interventions to help prevent such volatile situations from escalating.

The details

According to the arrest citation and criminal complaint affidavit, around 3 a.m. on March 14, Radmacher intentionally started a fire in her bedroom and then left the apartment building. As the fire spread, other residents were forced to evacuate, and witnesses reported hearing Radmacher say "I'm going to kill everybody." Radmacher also claimed that someone else made her set the blaze. At the time of the incident, Radmacher was in the process of being evicted from the apartment.

  • The fire occurred around 3 a.m. on March 14, 2026.
  • Radmacher is next scheduled to appear in court on March 27, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth H. Radmacher

A 68-year-old Kentucky woman who has been charged with arson, wanton endangerment, and criminal mischief for allegedly setting her apartment on fire while facing eviction.

Louisville Metro Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Radmacher and is investigating the apartment fire incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to kill everybody”

— Elizabeth H. Radmacher

“I knock at the doors and told everybody to get out because the fire is coming”

— Unidentified neighbor

“I feel sorry for them. He had a kid up there, so he could have been badly burned or killed”

— Unidentified neighbor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 27 whether or not to allow Elizabeth H. Radmacher to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater support and intervention for individuals facing difficult life circumstances, such as eviction, to prevent them from resorting to dangerous and criminal actions that put innocent lives at risk. It highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of such volatile situations before they escalate.