The man accused of setting a Spring apartment building on fire, killing his own brother and injuring several others including a 3-year-old boy, is now facing additional charges.
Matthew Atwater, who has been in the Harris County Jail on a murder charge since the July fire at the Cypresswood Apartments off Cypresswood Drive, has been indicted on two new arson charges tied to the injuries suffered by the young child and his father.
KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel obtained surveillance video at the time of the fire showing Atwater in the area moments before the apartment building went up in flames.
According to prosecutors, Atwater initially told investigators he was cooking chicken, became upset and threw a gas can against a wall. He later gave a different account, admitting he poured kerosene on the floor and furniture before using a lighter to ignite the fire.
The two new indictments allege arson connected to the serious injuries suffered by the 3-year-old boy, identified as Atlas, and his father Eian. Both new charges also include an allegation that Atwater used or exhibited a firearm during the crime.
Atlas remains hospitalized at Shriners Hospital, where he has a breathing tube and may face additional surgeries, according to his family’s GoFundMe page. According to court records, Atwater received a mental competency evaluation on September 26th.
Atwater is being held in the Harris County Jail on a $2.5 million bond, according to court records.
